Our attitude can help build a better world. Children have the power to change the future. It is with this in mind that Samae Blumenau (Municipal Autonomous Water Supply and Sewerage Service) created the PES (Sanitation Education Program) in 2019. Designed specifically for future generations, the program enables children to understand the importance of water conservation, proper solid waste management and wastewater treatment.

Designed specifically for future generations, the program enables children to understand the importance of water conservation, proper solid waste management and wastewater treatment. – Photo: Disclosure/Samae Blumenau

The program has already directly or indirectly affected about 5,000 children and adults. “We address the four pillars of sanitation because Samae works with three of those pillars. So we turn to water and then to solid waste, which is also one of the villains causing so much damage to the environment today. Then we deal with drainage, and in our region there is a lot of talk about river drainage. And finally, we talk about wastewater, the importance of cleaning, and those who do not yet have collective cleaning always take care of the grease trap,” explained PES coordinator Leila Menestrina.

The program has already directly or indirectly affected about 5,000 children and adults. – Photo: Disclosure/Samae Blumenau

Students from the covered schools visit the Samae water treatment plant in Blumenau. By learning about proper solid waste management, children are part of the dynamic of understanding what is recyclable and what is waste.

The importance of proper disposal of vegetable oil

In addition, one of the flagships of the project is the proper disposal of vegetable oil. If it is discharged directly into the sewer system, it can cause serious environmental problems such as network clogging and deterioration of water quality. “People need to dispose of oil properly. Markets are currently doing this discarding. But if a person does not want to take it to the collection point, he has the opportunity to make soap,” Leila said.

Would you like to know a recipe for homemade soap made with vegetable oil? Learn and help you build a better and more sustainable future too.

To make soap you will need:

• 1 kg used vegetable oil
• 140 ml water
• 135 g caustic soda, in flakes with a concentration of more than 95%
• 24 ml alcohol
• 40 ml detergent

Learn how to make homemade soap with vegetable oil. – Photo: Disclosure/Samae Blumenau

First of all, pour the caustic into a bucket and break up the scales, then simply pour in warm water and mix well. Next, you need to take the used vegetable oil, strain it, and then add it little by little to the bucket and mix. The next step is to add the detergent of your choice and 70% alcohol.

First of all, pour the caustic into a bucket and break up the scales, then simply pour in warm water and mix well. – Photo: Disclosure/Samae Blumenau

Once ready, pour into milk cartons to make up to 10 soapstones.

This recipe makes 10 soapstones. – Photo: Disclosure/Samae Blumenau

See the full report below: