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

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.