Impact Investor | Community Builder | Doer| Tactician |Entrepreneur | Chocolate Addict
As a resident of Brazil, married to a Dane, and parent to two spirited half-Viking children, Denmark holds a special place in my heart. Thus, it’s with great admiration that I share a remarkable story unfolding in the streets of Aarhus, Denmark – a city’s resolute campaign against single-use waste, with coffee cups serving as the initial battleground. Could this herald the dawn of a “Reuse Renaissance”? In the bustling urban milieu, where glass bottles, plastic packaging, and disposable coffee cups once cluttered the sidewalks, a resounding call for change echoed from businesses and civic leaders alike. Witnessing the mounting piles of waste, they united in resolve, initiating a pioneering solution. Enter the innovative “reverse vending scheme,” a groundbreaking endeavor catalyzing a cultural shift. With an initial focus on coffee cups, this initiative builds upon Denmark’s esteemed tradition of deposit refund systems. Collaboration emerged as the cornerstone, with over 40 establishments joining forces, and 25 collection machines strategically deployed across the city. Yet, the journey towards sustainability encounters formidable obstacles. The allure of single-use convenience often eclipses the appeal of reusability. To surmount this challenge, two pivotal solutions beckon: expansion and policy innovation. Inspired by Denmark’s success, I am eager to replicate this concept here in Brazil. It’s incredibly inspiring to witness the effectiveness of such initiatives, and I believe they hold immense potential for our communities. If anybody shares this vision or has innovative ideas to contribute, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, let’s turn inspiration into action and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in Brazil.
