The Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) issued a warning today regarding the urgent need for proper waste sorting during the summer holidays\u2014a time when the highest volume of urban waste is generated, totaling nearly two million tons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To mark the start of summer, APA is launching a new phase of its “Let\u2019s separate the waste” awareness campaign\u2014which began earlier this year\u2014by touring six districts across the country with information and outreach activities. The agency highlights that waste generation peaks during this season, with August being the worst month. Last year, between June and September, over 1.8 million tons of urban waste were produced; August alone accounted for more than 480,000 tons, APA noted in a statement released today. With July and August being the most critical months, this new campaign phase aims to raise awareness about the need for proper waste sorting\u2014even while on vacation\u2014and to promote responsible behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“During this seasonal period, when families and friends gather\u2014whether at home or while out and about\u2014proper waste sorting should not be abandoned; maintaining this practice helps reduce environmental impact,” APA emphasized in the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new “Let\u2019s separate the waste” initiative features a traveling truck that serves as a base for activities inviting communities to reflect on the importance of waste sorting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Contrary to popular belief, summer is consistently the period of highest waste generation in Portugal. This trend is expected to continue this year. However, it is important to stress that waste production does not pause or take a break during the summer. Through this initiative, we hope to engage communities in addressing a problem that affects everyone, from the Algarve to the Minho region,” said APA’s president Jos\u00e9 Pimenta Machado, as quoted in the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The roadshow features a quiz on public knowledge regarding proper waste separation, a sustainable consumption simulator that identifies consumer profiles, workshops for creating art from recycled materials, and games. It also includes an \u201cmural of excuses\u201d displaying the reasons often given for failing to separate waste correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cLet\u2019s separate the waste” campaign runs until the end of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The APA\u2014a public institute within the State\u2019s indirect administration\u2014is the entity responsible for implementing environmental policies in Portugal, with a remit covering monitoring, planning and evaluation, licensing, and enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n