During the Vendimia 2026 celebrations, while thousands of Mendoza residents and tourists enjoyed the music, floats, and the election of the queens, another scene took center stage: the waste separation and the recovery of recyclable materials.
The sustainability coordination, along with civil associations like Jóvenes por el Clima and cooperatives of urban recyclers, carried out awareness actions at the Vía Blanca, the Carrusel, and the main event at the Frank Romero Day amphitheater. There, they engaged with the public about the importance of waste separation and conducted collection tasks.
Sustainability Strategy
The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of large events and generate a cultural change among citizens. In massive celebrations, the amount of waste is usually enormous, so promoting separation and recycling is key to preventing them from ending up in landfills.
Carla Ortega, sustainability coordinator, highlighted:
- The positive reception from the public, who were interested in how to separate correctly.
- The creation of practical dialogue spaces about the destination of recyclable materials.
- The cultural impact of showcasing the work of urban recyclers live.
Role of the Cooperatives
The cooperatives of urban recyclers played a central role in the separation and recovery of materials. Their participation highlights a fundamental work not only from an environmental perspective but also from a social and economic standpoint.
Ortega emphasized that involving them in massive events helps society better understand what happens to waste once discarded, generating awareness and recognition of their work.
Concrete Results
According to data from the Cooperativa El Algarrobo:
- At the Harvest Festival, approximately 2 tons of recyclable materials were recovered.
- At the Main Event of the Vendimia, about 1 additional ton.
In total, more than 3 tons of sustainable materials were recovered during Vendimia 2026.
Cultural and Environmental Impact
Beyond the figures, the greatest achievement was cultural: thousands of people were able to observe how waste separation works and the work of the recyclers. This reinforces the idea that a sustainable Mendoza begins with small everyday gestures.
The recovery of recyclable materials:
- Reduces up to 30% of waste sent to landfills.
- Allows materials to return to the productive circuit.
- Strengthens the circular economy and the generation of green jobs.
In a festival that celebrates the land, work, and the fruit of the vine, the incorporation of sustainable practices appears as a natural step towards the future. Vendimia 2026 showed that it is possible to enjoy large events without losing sight of environmental care, integrating tradition, culture, and sustainability.
