Recycling the Old - Colombia

Through interpersonal communication between Pro Vida & members of the elderly population a recycling business idea was formed. Pro Vida also needed to communicate with government council to establish a new by-law which would give their "entrepreneurs" a firm monopoly on the recycling business. Once in place, the programme was used as a way to increase awareness & involvement, bringing younger & older generations together.

Ageing, Population, Economic Development

Pro Vida's project was inspired by many elderly people who are left to finish their lives scavenging garbage cans for food & the odd item which can be sold for a few coins. Due to the global recycling initiative, Pro Vida saw an opportunity for the ageing segment of the population to "upgrade" their daily scavenging activities. Factories & schools were 2 of the outlets for recycled paper & materials, the latter of which held contests for saving clean waste paper. "Older people were involved at every level of the programme - planning, publicity, managing, sorting materials, packaging, accountancy - according to ability". The programme was so successful that Pro Vida decided to approach the local mayor to ensure a firm monopoly on the new recycling business. The council members felt this initiative to be one which empowered the ageing, had great environmental benefits to the community & which could operate at no cost to the municipality. The programme was also used as a "means of raising more general awareness about ageing, & of influencing the new generation to join in practical & often exciting activities in favour of old people who themselves enjoyed higher esteem".