In operation since 2015, the program that has already benefited hundreds of families will expand service on the island.
In response to a community request, the Paranaguá Container Terminal (TCP) has expanded the offer of collection points for the Troca Solidária program. The project serves residents of the islands in the Paranaguá region, and exchanges recyclable materials for food, cleaning and hygiene products at values below those practiced in the market.
The inauguration ceremony of the third point, located next to the soccer field of the Sete de Setembro Sports Association, took place on July 25. During the event, families were registered in the program, as well as clarifying doubts about the operation. The other collection points, already existing, are in the Association of Residents of Ilha dos Valadares and in the Association of Residents of Itiberê.
“With the expansion of the program to a new unit, the terminal follows its commitment to promote environmental education and the well-being of the Parnanguaras communities. It is through solidarity exchange that many recyclers are able to purchase basic necessities at affordable prices. A kilo of beans, for example, costs R$ 2.75. A kilo of sugar, on the other hand, costs R$ 2.00 for the project participants. In other words, these are values that communities can afford and still feed entire families “, highlights TCP’s institutional superintendent, Allan Chiang.
At the collection points, the recycled material is weighed and converted into social currency, used to buy food and basic necessities, which are marketed at prices up to 40% below the regular market value. In the case of islands with no land connection to Paranaguá, the material is received by the floating market, an itinerant vessel that acts as a collection point.
In addition to the traditional foods of the region, typical foods of commemorative dates are also sold in the market. At the request of the community, in June and July, popcorn and canjica are included. In December, panettone is distributed free of charge to families participating in the program.
In operation since 2015 and executed in partnership with the company Acquaplan, the Troca Solidária Program works to raise awareness among island communities in the Paranaguá region to practice the separation of recyclable solid waste. The company seeks to reduce pollution of the local environment and ensure a new source of income for families.
The destination of the recycled material is the Nova Esperança Association of Collectors and Recyclers, located on Valadares Island. In 2022 alone, 80 tons were collected. Since the beginning of the project, more than 332 tons have been recycled.
Honorable mention
In April, the Troca Solidária project was one of the finalists for the Portos e Navios Social and Environmental Responsibility Award, held at the 16th National Seminar on Maritime Industry and Environment, promoted by Portos e Navios magazine. Since its creation, the project has benefited hundreds of families, 338 of them in 2022 alone.
2023 schedule of Troca Solidária on Valadares Island
August
Day 16 – Association of Residents of Ilha dos Valadares, Vila Bela
Day 22 – next to the soccer field of Agremiação Esportiva do Sete de Setembro, Sete de Setembro
Day 30 – Itiberê Residents Association, Itiberê
September
Day 19 – next to the soccer field of Agremiação Esportiva do Sete de Setembro, Sete de Setembro
Day 20 – Residents Association of Ilha dos Valadares, Vila Bela
27th – Itiberê Residents Association, Itiberê
October
Day 11 – Residents Association of Ilha dos Valadares, Vila Bela
17th – next to the soccer field of Agremiação Esportiva do Sete de Setembro, Sete de Setembro
25th – Itiberê Residents Association, Itiberê
November
Day 21 – next to the soccer field of Agremiação Esportiva do Sete de Setembro, Sete de Setembro
Day 22 – Residents Association of Ilha dos Valadares, Vila Bela
29th – Itiberê Residents Association, Itiberê
December
Day 12 – in the soccer field of the Agremiação Esportiva do Sete de Setembro, Sete de Setembro
Day 13 – Residents Association of Ilha dos Valadares, Vila Bela
Day 20 – Itiberê Residents Association, Itiberê
