Socio-environmental contributions from the reuse of used kitchen oil

Abstract

The extension program presented in this work encompasses several socio-environmental extension activities linked to the reuse of oils and fats employed in frying. Incorrect disposal of used oil in sinks causes clogging of sewer networks and serious damage to the environment. Therefore, the purpose of this program is to promote wide dissemination concerning the correct disposal of used cooking oil. Awareness campaigns were undertaken in elementary schools and commercial food establishments in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais state, to minimize the environmental impact of inappropriate practices. Waste oil collectors were installed in three schools, in campaigns lasting one month, and the students were encouraged to bring the used oil from their homes. The school that collected the largest volume in each campaign won a visit to the Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), so that students selected by the school management could learn about the physical and chemical properties of oils in the laboratory, observe the saponification reaction, and participate in a mini-course about natural gum sweets. In addition to strengthening the relationships between the University and schools, this activity culminated in the collection of 772 liters of used cooking oil, which were destined for the manufacture of biodiesel and for the study of liquid soap formulations, aiming at lower alkalinity, for use in laboratories and by the cleaning services of the University. In order to increase the awareness of employees and owners of commercial food industry establishments, those located in the central region of the city were visited to distribute information pamphlets on good practices concerning food frying and the correct disposal of used oil. In this way, the activities of the extension program enabled greater exchange of knowledge and experiences between the university, schools, commercial establishments, and the local community. The collection of used cooking oil promoted by the campaigns contributed to reducing the volume of oil discarded inappropriately, minimizing the environmental impact, while also providing an opportunity for savings and/or income for the participants in the soap mini-courses.  In addition, these actions of the university extension program contributed to the training of the students who carried out the activities, complementing their technical knowledge and development as citizens, while improving their awareness of the country's reality and their interpersonal relationships.