There is a lot of talk about sustainability and how cities should move towards a more sustainable level. However, this concept appears to be just another marketing gimmick.
Theoretically, the topic is the apple of the eye of any government, company and population. But in practice, do we really embrace new habits as a society?
Professor Marcelo Venturi, 45, born in Curitiba, has lived in Florianopolis for 44 years. A researcher of permaculture – applied ecology in human practice – he understands that the concept of sustainability is associated with economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects that are aimed at meeting the needs of the present without affecting future generations.
Researcher Marcelo Venturi argues that sustainability is more than a concept, it is a necessity that needs to be implemented, and he aspires to live that way. Photo: PHOTOS DIVULGAÇÇÃO/NDIn the words of a permaculturist educator, “To be truly sustainable is to reduce your energy: the energy accumulated throughout the life cycle and producing any product or activity.”
The challenge is to put into practice the reduction of consumption in a capitalist society dominated by excessive consumption, the accelerated pace of work and the relentless pursuit of profit.
Venturi emphasizes that sustainability is more than a concept. This is a necessity. To do this, he adopted new habits, such as not eating meat and animal products unless they were produced locally. The house is removing the rainwater harvesting system, and the next step is to introduce a solar, photovoltaic and water heating system.
Venturi has his own ideas about permaculture. For him, a wood-burning stove is something that every permaculturist should have, as it cooks, heats the house and water, concentrates ash for fertilizer, makes soap, in addition to drying clothes and dishes, dehumidifying the environment: “It is possible to combine ecology, nature and production of life and food.
Island of (un)sustainability
Urgently halting irregular work, drawing up a Master Plan with real popular participation, prioritizing public and non-motorized transport are actions so egregious that it can no longer be said that sustainability is just ecology.
According to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), there is a steady focus on environmental, social, economic and cultural dimensions. But how is Florianopolis progressing on each of the points?
Bruno Santiago reminds us that Agenda21 is the benchmark for sustainable organized progress. This document is the result of the United Nations Eco-92, also called Rio-92, Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro. Rio 92 continues, 30 years later, the discussion of the Stockholm Conference.
“Brazil still has a long way to go when it comes to Agenda 21. But there is a lot missing in the National Solid Waste Policy, which is an implemented law and is in force. There is not enough infrastructure in terms of inspection, there is not enough inspection agents and the commitment of companies to implement best practices,” defends Santiago.
“We are still a few steps away from the great powers. Several countries have made great strides in this ascent to the top of Agenda 21,” he adds. The Brazilian Ministry of the Environment defines Agenda 21 as a planning tool for building a sustainable society across geographies that combines environmental protection, social justice and economic efficiency.”
To achieve global results, local problems must be addressed, which is why Agenda 21 unfolds on national, regional and local agendas.
“The process of implementing the Local Agenda 21 in Florianopolis took place from 1997 to 2000. After 30 years, there are still many obstacles that need to be removed,” explains Santiago. Venturi notes that the main current needs are: sidewalks, bike lanes and public transport, including boats, rails and buses. “We need to create more parks and reserves. Every street should have a green square. In every home, it should be mandatory that the native tree was planted by the family, ”the permaculturist suggests.
Santiago understands that the capital is “majorly advanced” in the field of sustainability, however, thanks to legal issues. “Achievements have been achieved through hard work. Although the questions are more in the field of marketing and advertising.
Urgent measures
Cynthia Mendonsa, 42, founder and advisor to the social movement Bem Viver and the Santa Catarina Food Safety and Nutrition Council, says the most urgent action for Florianopolis is:
- public transport
- energy matrix transition
- ecological sanitation
- reforest
- food security
Bem Weaver is building programs in Greater Florianopolis with community areas, kitchens and community gardens. It also connects farming families from San Pedro de Alcantara with the urban environment. In the forest, he is engaged in bioconstruction work in the villages.
Community garden created by Cynthia Mendonsa of the Santa Catarina Food Safety and Nutrition Board. Photo: DIVULGAÇÃO/NDBuying used clothes helps prepare the world for kids
Sustainability rests on an ecological, economic and social tripod, a set of practices that need to be worked on in an integrated manner and have been neglected throughout history.
“Man has always interacted with nature to the detriment. For a long time it was believed that nature is an inexhaustible source of resources. It was not until 1960 that widespread concern for ecology and environmental conservation emerged, with the formation of the first environmentalist group, WWF (World Wildlife Fund),” explains speaker, lecturer in environmental sciences, Finep (Research and Projects Financier) and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Bruno Enrique de Souza Santiago.
On October 25 last year, the Brazilian government launched the Green Growth Plan. The initiative includes projects for the conservation of forests and the rational use of natural resources. The focus is on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which is the target for the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
Small actions can cut carbon emissions. One of them is the selection of second-hand clothes. At the same time, carbon formation of the part can be reduced by up to 82%. Laura Leuzin, 24, is the full-time mother of Leonardo, 9 months, and Lorenzo, 3, and owner and creator of Brechó Eco Mami in Greater Florianopolis.
Laura started the business during her first pregnancy when she realized how high the expense of children’s clothing is, as in the early years the child loses details with every change of season. And using underused clothing helps mindful consumption. “I don’t understand how you can love a child and not worry about living in such a way that it will minimally affect future generations,” Laura notes.
Starting as a small business that strives to conserve natural resources is a big step. Brechó Eco Mami is a small creative and socially conscious company, one of the pioneers in sustainable clothing in the region. “It takes 5196 liters of water to produce a pair of jeans. Compared to the production of 1.5 kg of beef, which requires 15,415 liters, buying used clothes is very beneficial for the environment,” he notes.
Laura Leusen chooses clothes bought from thrift stores especially for her children – Photo: DIVULGAÇÃO/NDSource: Ndmais