Environmental deterioration: an investigation on the excessive consumption of single use containers (unicel) at the University of Sonora

Abstract

According to the World Bank Report, What a Waste 2.0 (2018b), 2010 million tons of solid waste are generated annually in the world and of these, at least 33% will not be treated. This waste is expected to increase in the next few years, which could mean that by 2050 3.4 billion tons will be generated. It is urgent to pay attention to the above and act accordingly.  

The alert has reached Governments, Institutions and Organizations at the international and national level. The University of Sonora, responding to this call, began a Program for the treatment of garbage on the Campus of the City of Hermosillo, seeking the reduction and recycling of materials such as cardboard, paper, metal, plastic and others.

Among these materials is Expanded Polystyrene or Unicel, frequently used for packaging and safeguarding food and beverages, with an approximatetimeof 500years foritsdegradation (UNAM, 2018). Hence the importance of reducing its use and, if possible, its elimination as packaging material for food consumed by the population.

The Division of Economic-Administrative Sciences of the University of Sonora, served as a focus of attention to observe the behavior assumed by students and teachers around the subject at hand.