In a bustling Bogotá recycling warehouse cluttered with mountains of plastic, paper, and glass, 32-year-old Sara Samaniego captures the attention of her enormous following with vibrant videos that present recycling as not just important, but cool. Known online as Marce the Recycler, she has established a brand that resonates with hundreds of thousands across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
With her lively performances and signature blue jumpsuit, Samaniego has garnered accolades and collaborations with known personalities, making her a standout figure in the movement for sustainable waste management. Her engaging content educates viewers on the intricacies of waste separation and reinforces the importance of recycling while keeping it entertaining.
As a powerful voice for change, she simultaneously brings awareness to the informal recycling community in Bogotá, where around 26,000 individuals work to recycle materials despite the absence of a structured municipal waste collection system. The informal recyclers play a crucial role in managing waste, yet they often face societal neglect. Through her work, Samaniego shines a spotlight on their contributions and struggles.
Samaniego’s mission underscores a growing realization: managing waste effectively is not just an individual responsibility, but a collective effort that can be approached creatively. Her impactful presence turns the act of recycling into a cultural phenomenon, encouraging her audience to rethink their waste habits and engage in responsible practices for a better environment.
