The N° 136 school “Gregoria Pérez de Denis” was the starting point for the EcoSchools contest, a proposal that seeks to promote environmental awareness among 5th-grade students in 30 institutions in the city of Santa Fe. This action is part of the program “Por una Santa Fe más Limpia” (For a Cleaner Santa Fe), whose purpose is to care for the environment.
Students will compete by collecting PET plastic containers, a material commonly used in bottles and beverage containers. The class that collects the most plastic will win an educational trip to Carlos Paz in 2026, financed through an alliance between the municipality and private sector companies.
The proposal aims not only to reduce waste but also to involve the entire community in sustainable practices. Participating schools will become collection centers, promoting recycling in their neighborhoods and homes.
This type of action reinforces environmental education from an active and collective perspective. The program is articulated with educational visits, training, and promotional activities throughout the city.
## The PET and its recycling cycle
Plastic PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is one of the most common waste materials in urban environments, but also one of the easiest to recycle. It is mainly used in packaging manufacturing due to its strength, lightness, and versatility.
When properly separated, PET can be transformed into useful objects such as textiles, new containers, urban furniture, or playground equipment. This prevents the material from contaminating the environment and reduces the demand for virgin plastic.
The plastic collected in the contest will be delivered to a local cooperative responsible for its reuse. Some of that material could even return to schools in the form of recycled furniture.
Thus, the waste cycle is closed: from consumption to collection, from recycling to a new product. An experience that allows students to understand the value of their daily actions.
## A shared effort between community and education to care for the environment
The contest is added to other environmental policies that include school training, visits to the landfill, and the use of the educational Munibus. These actions integrate education, waste management, and citizen participation.
In addition to reducing the volume of plastic in the city, the program seeks to create sustainable habits from an early age. The commitment of schools shows a growing interest in education more connected to the environment.
The students’ enthusiasm is also reflected in their active participation. Many schools organized internal campaigns to promote collection in their communities.
The contest will run until June 23. Results will be updated weekly on the municipality’s website, and the winning class will be announced the next day. Environmental education gains ground in Santa Fe.
