Environmental preservation and recycling of residual oil

Abstract

Growing environmental pollution has raised attitudes by stimulating changes in individual and collectivehabits that will reflect upon the construction of a new scenario, directed towards sustainable growth. Alternativesto environmental preservation can minimize current health problems and improve quality of life offuture generations. Among household residue and food establishments, frying oil is a major cause for damagewhen directly flushed down the sewer pipes, polluting rivers and complicating water treatment at watercleaning stations. In this article, developed as an extension project, it is proposed to transform the used oilinto liquid or soap bars (a process known as saponification) through practical low-cost home procedures asan alternative to environmental preservation. The produced soaps had their characteristics such as foamingcapacity, odor and hydrogen potential (pH) measured. The procedures were addressed through lectures and workshops, as well as promotion of these procedures through folders and brochures. The analysis ofthe filled out questionnaires during the developed activities between August 2007 and July 2008 madepossible to conclude that 82% of the workshops participants flushed used oil directly down the drain and69% expressed commitment of continuing to recycle after the workshop participation. It is estimated that alarge audience was reached due to the fact that the procedures were divulged on local TV channels.