A group of students from Technical School No. 5 “Dr. Ramón Carrillo” in Santiago del Estero, created a venture where they transformed waste into sustainable energy. This is “Fénix Briquettes,” a school project that proposes to manufacture ecological briquettes from recycled paper and sawdust.
The initiative, led by senior students specializing in Administration and Management, offers a concrete alternative to traditional firewood, with multiple environmental and social benefits. Briquettes are a source of solid, economical, and less polluting energy.
The microenterprise takes place within the national program promoted by INET, in collaboration with the NGO Junior Achievement. Guided by teachers, the students apply technical knowledge in a real context, addressing issues related to the environment and local production.
In addition to reducing deforestation, the production of briquettes contributes to the use of waste that would otherwise end up as garbage. Thus, the project combines innovation and commitment with a comprehensive vision of sustainable development.
Students from Santiago del Estero transformed waste into clean energy. Photo: El Liberal.
Good Waste Management: Recycling with Impact and Awareness
“Fénix Briquettes” is based on the principles of the circular economy, reusing materials that are usually discarded to turn them into a useful resource. This approach not only reduces waste generation, but also promotes a more responsible use of resources.
The proposal also seeks to provide an accessible solution for heating in homes and businesses, demonstrating that alternative energies can arise from educational spaces and extend their influence to the community.
In parallel, teamwork, planning, and environmental awareness are skills that students incorporate into the process. This experiential learning model enhances technical training, while also fostering vocations linked to sustainable development.
“Fénix Briquettes” is an example of how new generations can drive concrete changes with simple tools, ingenuity, and a willingness to care for the planet.
The work of these students could replace firewood.
Environmental Education is Key
In Argentina, environmental education is a fundamental axis to promote a citizenship committed to environmental care. Through Law No. 27,621, passed in 2021, the right to comprehensive, continuous, and cross-cutting environmental education at all levels of the educational system is established.
This approach not only aims to convey knowledge about environmental issues, but also to promote sustainable values, attitudes, and practices. The implementation includes content in school curricula, teacher training programs, and awareness campaigns in community spaces.
Environmental education in the country is closely linked to the global climate agenda, and promotes the active participation of girls, boys, and young people in actions that protect biodiversity, reduce pollution, and promote a culture of recycling and energy efficiency.
