Produção, uso e reaproveitamento do papel na percepção de atores sociais.

Abstract

The records of human history appeared around 6000 years BC, with the use of stone and wood carvings or clay tablets. With the improvement of this handmade process, papyrus emerged in order to record information, and then came parchment and afterwards paper. Thus the evolution of industrial production techniques of paper contributed to environmental degradation. Therefore, the objective of this project is to assess the perception of the social actors regarding environmental impacts resulting from production and use of paper under the focus of environmental sustainability. The methodology used in this research was the use of case study, based on a literature review, application of semi-structured questionnaires in two higher education institutions and with social actors. In the end, proposals were presented in order to help environmental education projects. It was identified, within the academic environment, regarding perception, sustainability and environmental impacts, a global view, highlighting the mutual relations between nature and society. In both Institutions, we found that there is a great understanding about the paper production, whereas reusing, recycling and discarding paper was rarely mentioned. In regard to the pedagogical practices, few projects are carried out, so the discussion occurs mostly in the classroom. The social actors considered the practice of reuse of paper necessary for recycling, minimizing environmental impacts and contributing to the preservation of natural resources, although it may not be financially viable. Proposals to achieve sustainability in the academic environment must come from guidelines and actions which contribute to teaching, research and extension, supporting local experience of reusing and recycling paper, as they play an essential role in environmental preservation.