LIXOTEC Project: social responsibility in an environmental management action

Abstract

Constant technological innovations bring countless benefits and facilities to the professional and personal environment. On the other hand, the social pressure to have the latest generation of electronics means that consumption habits are constantly renewed, which has an impact on the increased generation of solid waste. This is why, in recent years, electronic waste has become one of the planet's biggest environmental problems. In 2019, 53 million metric tons (Mt) of electronic waste was generated, equivalent to 7.3 kg per capita per year. Of this total, only 17.3% was recycled. With the emergence of sustainability reports and guidelines for reporting the impacts caused, as well as the actions taken to mitigate them, social responsibility has become a strategic governance practice for organizations in terms of the transparency of the actions they take to mitigate the impacts of their operations. In addition, the environmental and social impacts are worrying, since up to a thousand toxic substances and heavy metals can be found in this type of waste, which contaminate the soil, groundwater, air, and cause harm and damage to health. In view of this, the aim of this study is to analyze the contributions of the Environmental Management Action (EMA) of the Lixotec Project in mitigating the impacts caused to the environment and the health of the population of Foz do Iguaçu and the Western Region, through the collection, sorting, and correct disposal of waste. In methodological terms, bibliographical and documentary research was used to support the field of study. In terms of nature, the research is classified as qualitative, in terms of objective, as descriptive, in terms of procedures, as a case study with a holistic approach, and in terms of data collection instruments, participant observation was used. The results show that the Lixotec Project's EMA has been effective in mitigating the environmental and social impacts on the local community. Although approximately 50,000 people have been impacted directly or indirectly, it was found that the amount of waste generated per capita is not proportional to the amount recycled, making it necessary to continue the action until there are changes in consumption habits and in society's socio-environmental education. It is also concluded that the Lixotec Project is an excellent strategic partner for organizations in Foz do Iguaçu and the Western Region of Paraná to jointly develop social responsibility actions through the correct disposal of electronic waste, promoting the circular economy of this waste and, consequently, mitigating social and environmental impacts.

Keywords: Electronic waste; Environmental Management Action (EMA); Lixotec Project; Social responsibility; Environmental and social impacts.