According to new research grassroots movements can help shift how we think about recycling and the growing issue of garbage. Dare Sholanke, a recent geography master’s grad, studied Vancouver’s waste governance system, examining binners' (informal recyclers) and the role of grassroots organizations in municipal waste management.

Sholanke came to UVic after discovering geography professor Jutta Gutberlet, an expert in participatory waste governance.

“Dr. Gutberlet’s research in waste governance is very inspiring,” says Sholanke. “Her work in the Global South, especially in Sau Paulo, Brazil with recyclers (binners) shows that recycling can be turned into a livelihood and a way for people to provide for their families.”

 

Continue reading at University of Victoria.

Image via Gabby Korcheva.