This recycling initiative is located in Chaquijya, a small village in the Guatemalan highlands, of about 3,000 people. Chaquijya is situated close to Lake Atitlan, a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes. Prior to the start of this initiative, garbage was thrown in the streets and the fields. With the increased use of plastics in Guatemala, this was an enormous problem, especially given the proximity of the lake.

This initiative is teaching the students and their families to sort and recycle their garbage and convert the organic garbage to compost for use in the tree nursery. It started with the school, which ICO has been supporting since 2011, and has since expanded to include the entire community.

To read more about our Initiative Lead Margaret and Field Lead Jesus click here.

For more information contact our Initiative Lead: 

Margaret Gray: margaretgray@innovativecommunities.org