Environmental Education As a Cultural Basis for the Management of Solid Waste: Yucatan Case Study

Because natural limits and economic growth are being exceeded today, the world cares for the environment. The current economic rationale focuses on maximizing production and seeking the accumulation of wealth, which has devastating consequences for society and the natural environment. Therefore, it is very important to know the current state of the environment, the regulations for production and consumption, and the management of urban and rural waste. Education is the ideal way to address the various environmental and social problems that modern society experiences. Different strategies and actions in education can be carried out so that children, youth and adults act towards the environment with responsibility and awareness. In fact, various governments have already implemented public programs on environmental education in communities and schools. For this reason, this article aims to present information and reflections about the problem and excessive generation of solid waste, the role that education and environmental culture play in its management, and how it can be used to try to alleviate this problematic. This was achieved using a documentary and literature analysis. This analysis shows the need to reinforce learning oriented to the development of skills and perceptions in the face of real-world environmental problems, applying a multidisciplinary approach and trusting on the participation of rural communities.