RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA: A TRANSFORMAÇÃO DE BANNERS EM SACOLAS REUTILIZÁVEIS. UMA AÇÃO SUSTENTÁVEL E INSPIRADORA NA UNIVERSIDADE DE MARÍLIA (UNIMAR)

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.97625170912

• Palavras-chave: Sustentabilidade. Reaproveitamento de materiais. PVC. Economia circular. Extensão comunitária.

• Keywords: Sustainability. Material reuse. PVC. Circular economy. Community outreach.

• Abstract: The improper disposal of plastic materials, particularly those made of PVC, poses an increasing challenge for urban sustainability and waste management in Brazil. Universities, as major generators of solid waste, play a strategic role in promoting initiatives aligned with circular economy principles and environmental education. In this context, the present report describes the experience of Dona Neide, a resident of Igaraçu do Tietê/SP, who developed a creative and sustainable initiative to repurpose discarded institutional PVC banners from the University of Marília (UNIMAR).The experience began in 2025, after a large PVC banner was used during the launch event of a book at UNIMAR. Motivated by the university’s sustainability practices and known for her habit of reusing materials, Dona Neide accepted the challenge proposed by her son — a professor at the institution — and began transforming discarded vinyl banners into reusable shopping bags. Using basic sewing techniques, she gave new purpose to a resistant, waterproof material with a long decomposition time, producing more than 50 bags that were later distributed at academic events.In addition to reducing the amount of plastic waste generated on campus, the initiative also fostered social engagement by encouraging students and faculty to participate in environmental action, strengthening awareness of circular economy principles, and illustrating how individual actions can support institutional sustainability policies. The project also revealed important challenges, such as the need to raise awareness among external event organizers about the university’s environmental guidelines, encourage the use of recyclable materials for smaller banners, and expand reverse logistics practices in partnership with manufacturers, as required by Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12.305/2010).This experience demonstrates how simple practices rooted in creativity, environmental awareness, and community engagement can yield significant socio-environmental benefits and inspire broader sustainability actions within higher education institutions.