In 2020, I stumbled upon the environmental department at the Federal Center of Technology (FCT). My interaction with Professor Aline, an environmental enthusiast, fueled the fire. She was engaged in numerous sustainability initiatives, from collecting batteries to prevent groundwater contamination to coordinating with local scavengers for effective recycling. I found this ecosystem fascinating and genuinely impactful for our planet and the school community. Inspired, I decided to collaborate with her to expand her vision.

Together, we conceived the Recicla app, designed to help students locate specific recycling stations within Cefet’s large campus. The school had different categories of waste collection points, and our goal was to make this information easily accessible to students. We mapped these points based on high foot-traffic areas to maximize visibility and use. Moreover, Recicla integrated an external tool to assist students in locating recycling centers outside the campus if they couldn’t find the specific waste category they were looking for.

The application was met with great enthusiasm; it had a high download rate and was well-utilized during its active period. However, we had to take it offline due to needed updates and modifications. Despite its operational hiatus, the app served its purpose effectively during its run.

I received a modest grant of around 350 BRL per month from Cefet to assist in the development of Recicla. Though symbolic in nature, this funding played a crucial role at the time, especially considering the various associated costs, such as computer purchases for development, among other expenses.

While Recicla might not currently be in operation, its legacy endures. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when inspiration meets action. Its existence sparked conversations around sustainability and made a tangible impact, however brief, in promoting environmental responsibility among students.