On January 26, the World Environmental Education Day was commemorated, a day that invites reflection on the key role of education as a tool to promote environmental protection and the responsible use of resources. In this context, schools are consolidated as strategic spaces to train new generations and foster an active commitment to caring for the environment.
The challenge of used vegetable oil
In Argentina, the recycling of used vegetable oil remains a topic little addressed in the public agenda. According to research by the Santa Fe company DH-SH and the Faculty of Agronomy of UBA (2021-2022), more than 100 million liters of used vegetable oil are discarded each year, much of which ends up contaminating soils and watercourses.
- A single liter of cooking oil can contaminate up to one thousand liters of water.
- Poor disposal of this waste generates severe impacts on the environment and health.
The “Recycle Your Oil” campaign
To reverse this situation, DH-SH, dedicated since 2017 to the logistics and sanitation of the oil industry, promotes the Recycle Your Oil campaign, which combines territorial actions with a strong educational component.
- Since 2021, primary, secondary, and tertiary level students have participated in training sessions that cover the oil’s life cycle: sowing, extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and responsible disposal.
- The goal is for them to understand the environmental impact of each phase and the importance of proper management.
“We seek to raise awareness about the importance of revaluing waste and turning it into a valuable resource, promoting the circular economy and the adoption of responsible practices from an early age,” explained Sebastián Soso, Communication Manager of DH-SH.
Educate with purpose
The campaign also includes:
- Management of used vegetable oil for large generators such as gastronomic establishments.
- Installation of green points for residents to recycle their oil.
- Production of educational resources, such as an animated short starring The Little Big Recyclers and an illustrated Activity Guide for teachers.
Program impact
Since the start of the Environmental Education Program:
- 204 educational talks have been held in institutions across the country.
- 5,892 students were reached between 2021 and 2025.
- Of the total, 3,337 belong to the secondary level, 2,132 to the primary level, and 266 to the tertiary level.
In 2025, the last year surveyed:
- 41 talks were held, reaching 1,090 students.
- The most demanded topics were used oil recycling, the environmental impact of its poor disposal, circular economy, biodiesel production, and the creation of by-products such as soaps.
- Teachers, principals, and municipal teams were also trained, strengthening local networks.
Teacher testimonials
Educators highlight the usefulness and clarity of the training sessions:
- José María Belardinelli (School No. 252, Santa Fe): “It clarified the issue of oil recycling and its impact on environmental deterioration.”
- Romina Feijo (Agricultural School No. 1, Buenos Aires): “The explanation was super clear and interesting.”
- Marta Soledad Campo (School No. 5, Entre Ríos): “The vocabulary was appropriate for the ages of our students.”
- Eduardo Baiardi (School No. 326, San Luis): “The talk had the ability to reach everyone and raise awareness about an issue that does not receive the attention it deserves.”
World Environmental Education Day reinforces the importance of programs like Recycle Your Oil, which integrate science, education, and community commitment.
The initiative demonstrates that the circular economy can be taught from an early age and become a habit that transcends the classroom, reaching homes and communities.
