The ISP’s workshop, ‘Mission Sustainability: Turn Waste into Resources’, introduced children to the role of science in caring for the environment and in transforming waste into new resources.
Once again, the Institute of Sustainable Processes has taken part in the Feria de Ciencia Sostenible (Sustainable Science Fair), a free event organised by the Fundación UVa which brought together children and families on Saturday 9 May at the Miguel Delibes Campus.
The seventh edition of the fair featured 31 activities designed to introduce science to children and adults. Among these was a workshop organised by researchers from the Institute for Sustainable Processes entitled ‘Mission Sustainability: Transform Waste into Resources’, in which children aged 9–12 had the opportunity to learn how to give new life to organic and inorganic waste and, specifically, how microalgae can transform organic waste into useful resources.
The day began with a brief presentation on current environmental challenges, such as pollution, resource depletion and climate change. This was followed by an explanation of how the Institute’s research can contribute to addressing these challenges. Participants learned how to correctly classify the waste generated daily in their homes, identified different types of microalgae using a microscope and discovered how these can be used to transform waste into everyday products. They also observed microalgae growing in photobioreactors and verified that it is possible to estimate the pH of a solution using a homemade, sustainable method.
By taking part in this activity, the Institute for Sustainable Processes brought science closer to young people and fostered a greater awareness of the importance of caring for the environment.
