September 2012
As part of a broader focus on sanitation, it is important to
address the solid waste management problem that many communities in Panamá face
(and the world!!!). Alto Playón is
a rural community with no option for solid waste management other than burning
it, or throwing it in the river.
The seminar also reflected the initiative taken by Aurelina, the Presidenta of Alto Playón’s artisan group Imbizu. I sent her to a 4-day artisan seminar in San Felix, and she came back energized as ever to build the group. Amber has also hit the ground running with the group, which will be great for the rest of her service.
As part of a broader focus on sanitation, it is important to
address the solid waste management problem that many communities in Panamá face
(and the world!!!). Alto Playón is
a rural community with no option for solid waste management other than burning
it, or throwing it in the river.
In order to take a stab it at this problem, ANAM (Ministry
of Environment) has started a recycled art project, teaching communities to
make jewelry out of soda cans and handbags out of plastic bags. I invited PCV Lauren Lynch to give our
nascent artisan group a workshop on how to make recycled art.
Lauren first started out by giving an educational talk about
why it was important to take responsibility for our trash, the damage it can
cause to the environment, and to our health. She talked about separating plastics, papers, and cans, and
composting organics. And by
separating the plastics and cans you can make…recycled art!
The seminar also reflected the initiative taken by Aurelina, the Presidenta of Alto Playón’s artisan group Imbizu. I sent her to a 4-day artisan seminar in San Felix, and she came back energized as ever to build the group. Amber has also hit the ground running with the group, which will be great for the rest of her service. 
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