Environmental perception of technical education students on solid urban waste management in São Luís (MA, Brazil)

Abstract

Studies on environmental perception play a fundamental role as they can be used as a tool for planning projects and initiatives in environmental education. This study aimed to analyze the perception of students from a public school regarding solid waste management in their school and city. Data were collected from 38 students, including 21 females and 17 males, enrolled in the administration technical course at IEMA UP-Rio Anil. The methodology involved the administration of questionnaires before and after an intervention with the students to assess their perceptions of the environment and solid waste. The responses were compared and classified into three categories: "Satisfactory," "Partially Satisfactory," and "Unsatisfactory." A significant change in the students' responses was observed after the lecture, which addressed topics related to the environment and solid waste, highlighting the importance of environmental education in schools. Although the students demonstrated knowledge in specific aspects of waste management, it is still necessary to promote a process of sensitization and awareness among them. It is essential to empower educators on this issue so that they can act as active and transformative citizens, developing effective actions in schools to raise awareness among students and cultivate a more critical approach to solid waste management.