The Utopia of Recycling

Abstract

Is recycling the solution? If current consumption patterns continue, the Earth will reach a point of no return in 30 years, warn scientists gathered at COP26. In response, the European Union has adopted an ambitious ‘Circular Economy Action Plan,’ while Latin America follows various governmental policies that have a lesser impact on ecological outcomes. Recycling is a key component of the circular economy, offering one solution to the environmental crisis. However, the success of a circular economy depends on the willingness of individuals, communities, and enterprises to change their behaviour. The documentary traces the research journey of two Brazilian anthropologists, Carmen Rial and Cornelia Eckert, who visited European cities, particularly in the Netherlands. Their goal was to examine how recycling is implemented in domestic spaces by both public and private sectors and to explore potential improvements for recycling processes in Brazil. Through interviews with waste management workers, city residents, and recycling entrepreneurs, the film maps the current recycling landscape and highlights the challenges and opportunities it presents. The documentary offers an insightful look at these experiences and raises an important question: Is recycling an unattainable utopia?

Keywords: Utopia, Sustainability, Recycling, Circular economy