As part of the “Let\u2019s separate the waste” awareness campaign launched earlier this year, APA will tour six districts across the country with an information and outreach initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) issued a warning this Monday regarding the urgent need for proper waste sorting during the summer holidays\u2014a time when urban waste generation peaks, reaching nearly two million tons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marking the start of summer, APA is taking its “Let\u2019s separate the waste” campaign\u2014launched earlier this year\u2014to six districts across the country for an information and awareness drive, highlighting that waste production is highest right now, with August being the worst month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last year, between June and September, over 1.8 million tons of urban waste were generated; in August alone, Portugal produced more than 480,000 tons, APA noted in a statement released today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With July and August being the most critical months, this new phase of the campaign 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, so as to minimize environmental impact,” APA emphasized in the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new “Let\u2019s separate the waste” campaign 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 common 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 does not take a break or rest during the summer. Through this initiative, we hope to engage communities in an issue that concerns everyone, from the Algarve to the Minho,” 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 “mural of excuses” displaying the reasons often given for failing to separate waste correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The “Let\u2019s separate the waste” campaign continues until the end of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The APA, a public institute within the State’s indirect administration, is the entity responsible for implementing environmental policies in Portugal, with responsibilities covering monitoring, planning and evaluation, licensing, and enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n