Project Impact In Patagonia 2020
In early 2020, Trek Relief launched a transformative project in Chilean Patagonia, bringing sustainable development and environmental stewardship to the Villa Cerro Castillo community. Despite the year’s challenges, the results have been nothing short of inspiring. Here’s a recap of the incredible progress made through our “Clean Point” recycling infrastructure at Liceo Rural School.
Environmental Impact: Recycling by the Numbers
Our efforts helped the Villa Cerro Castillo community divert significant waste from landfills, conserving resources and reducing environmental harm.
Total Recyclables Collected: 1,073 lbs.
Plastic: 150 lbs.
Glass: 847 lbs.
Cans: 42 lbs.
Cardboard: 22 lbs.
Tetra Pak: 13 lbs.
Resources Saved Through Recycling Efforts
Water: 5,727 gallons (equivalent to 6 hours of continuous water flow)
Paper: 5 reams (small but impactful—equivalent to saving part of a tree!)
Energy: 459 kWh (enough to power a home for 2 months)
CO2 Emissions Prevented: 1,340 lbs. (equivalent to 243 days of car travel)
Strengthening Community Engagement
The environmental program fostered collaboration and hands-on involvement from all corners of the community:
Key Initiatives:
Regular environmental committee meetings with Liceo teachers, Trek Relief Patagonia program directors, Kyklos project managers, and Fecunda Patagonia founders.
Teacher training to empower educators as environmental stewards.
Broadcasted educational activities on Radio Aluen, engaging residents across the community.
Gardening workshops and interactive games for students, facilitated through Kyklos’ interscholastic environmental app.
Program Launch: March 2020 saw the kickoff of the Liceo School’s environmental program, bringing sustainability education to the forefront.
Empowering Liceo School Actions
The Liceo Rural School embraced sustainability with enthusiasm, achieving:
41 Environmental Actions
6 Environmental Committee Meetings
31 Activities for Students and Residents
2 Large-Scale Recycling Projects
2 Transport Trips to Coyhaique’s Recycling Center
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Partners
Kyklos: For providing detailed metrics and on-the-ground support.
Municipality of Río Ibáñez: For transporting materials to recycling facilities.
Fecunda Patagonia: For recycling processing expertise.
Together, we’ve taken significant steps toward a greener future for Villa Cerro Castillo.