In the heart of Comayagua, Honduras, a group of innovative young entrepreneurs is redefining waste management through a revolutionary project that converts used cooking oil into sustainable household products. Spearheaded by Hugo Daniel Chávez, project manager at the NGO Sustenta Honduras, the initiative targets the country's rampant issue of discarded cooking oil, typically generated from the deep-fried delicacies popular across the region.
With millions of tons of cooking oil consumed annually, improperly disposed oil presents both health risks and environmental hazards. Chávez states, "We are turning waste into something useful," emphasizing the importance of transforming cooking oil into products like soap and dog food. Realizing the limitations of the biodiesel market in Honduras, Sustenta pivoted towards local products, creating incentives for businesses to properly dispose of oil.
By purchasing used oil directly from shops and periodically collecting it, Sustenta has encouraged over 150 businesses to participate in the project, gaining recognition and funding from entities like the Dutch embassy. They have also secured a significant partnership with Walmart, ensuring a steady supply of cooking oil for their production line.
The process begins at their plant in Comayagua, where the recycled oil undergoes purification and saponification to create soap. With a business model focused on circular economics, they aim for a symbiotic relationship with local industries and aim to make a positive social impact.
The organization comprises a youthful team, driven to work collaboratively rather than combatting established corporations and practices. As they address climate change’s effects, Chávez and his team are focused on tangible solutions, bridging the gap between environmentalism and practical enterprise.
Through this innovative project, Sustenta is not just creating a profit; they are revitalizing the local economy, demonstrating that sustainable methods can yield both environmental and financial benefits in one of Latin America's most oil-consuming nations.
