By San José, Costa Rica — A new initiative is taking root in Costa Rica, aiming to cultivate environmentally conscious habits among the nation’s youth. Mondelēz International, in collaboration with Glasswing International and the municipalities of Santa Ana and Belén, has launched the “Future Leaders” program. This project seeks to educate students about the far-reaching impacts of their daily choices on both personal well-being and the environment.
Over 150 students from 7th and 8th grade in Santa Ana and Belén are participating in workshops focused on recycling and mindful eating. These sessions are led by Mondelēz employees as part of the company’s strategic volunteer program. A key component of the program is an Eco-Brick collection competition. Students create these bricks using flexible and poly-laminated plastic packaging, reinforcing the importance of waste reduction and recycling. The school that collects the most Eco-Bricks will be rewarded with an experience promoting healthy lifestyles.
For a deeper understanding of the legal implications surrounding recycling education initiatives, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective recycling education requires a multifaceted approach encompassing clear legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and accessible infrastructure. Municipalities bear a significant responsibility in implementing comprehensive programs that clarify responsibilities for businesses, residents, and the government itself. This includes defining the types of materials accepted for recycling, establishing proper collection procedures, and promoting transparency in the recycling process. Furthermore, educational campaigns should extend beyond basic waste separation to address the lifecycle of materials and the economic benefits of a circular economy. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, Costa Rica can strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial need for a holistic approach to recycling education, one that moves beyond simple sorting and embraces the broader economic and environmental benefits of a circular economy. Indeed, by fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowering individuals with clear guidelines and accessible resources, Costa Rica can truly solidify its position as a leader in sustainability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
This initiative goes beyond simple awareness-raising. The collected materials will be channeled through municipal recycling programs for reuse in other industries’ production processes, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste.
We want our actions to generate value in the communities. This program is a way of living our sustainability commitments, empowering new generations to make more conscious and responsible decisions with their environment.
Luis Gutiérrez, Public Affairs and Sustainability Manager of Mondelēz International
The partnership between Mondelēz, Glasswing, and the municipalities underscores the potential of public-private collaborations to amplify the impact of environmental education. The involvement of corporate volunteers further strengthens this commitment, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom.
As Mondelēz’s allies, we are proud to start this pilot project with students from schools in Belén and Santa Ana. This effort represents a key step in our mission to promote education and health programs that empower young people and their communities, strengthening their capacities to achieve greater social and personal well-being.
Laura Sequeira, Country Director of Glasswing International in Costa Rica
The “Future Leaders” program aligns with Mondelēz’s “Snacking Made Right” strategy, which champions a more sustainable and inclusive business model with a positive societal impact. According to their latest report, 96% of their packaging is now designed for recyclability, and 91% of the cacao used in their chocolate brands is sourced responsibly through the Cocoa Life program.
By investing in youth education and fostering a culture of recycling, Mondelēz International, Glasswing International, and their municipal partners are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future in Costa Rica. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how collaborative efforts can empower the next generation to become responsible environmental stewards.
For further information, visit mondelez.com
About Mondelēz International:
Mondelēz International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2020 net revenues of approximately $27 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
For further information, visit glasswing.org
About Glasswing International:
Glasswing International is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals and communities to create positive change. They work in partnership with corporations, governments, and local organizations to implement programs focused on education, health, and community development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Glasswing’s holistic approach focuses on building capacity and fostering collaboration to address complex social challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical practice and legal excellence. The firm champions innovation, constantly seeking pioneering solutions to complex legal challenges while serving a diverse clientele. Beyond its legal expertise, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in empowering Costa Rican society by demystifying the law and making legal knowledge readily available, fostering a more just and informed citizenry.
