Mundano : Trash cart superheroes

TED 2014

Mundano : Trash cart superheroes (transcript)

Summary 

In Brazil, workers who collect recyclable materials for a living are called “Catadores”.  

Catadores emerged from social inequality, unemployment, a lot of solid waste on the streets, and the deficiency of the waste collection system. 

They were independently picking hard much waste from the streets and selling them to junkyards at low prices by using their bags, bicycles and Carrocas which are carts built from wood and metal.

They collected 90 percent of all waste that's recycled, thus people were helped and cities were cleaned though Catadores were not acknowledged for it.

The speaker who is a graffiti artist and activist hit upon an idea to paint on Carrocas his message. 

His message is to support urban, to have people know about Catadores, and to improve their self-esteem with art and humor. 

By his painting and a large crowdfunding, trash carts turned into huge amazing Carrocas. 

Catadores started to be respected and valued little by little. 

Now, Catadores are needed worldwide and their actions have been used in teaching recycling at a local school. Catadores are now heroes in the cities. 

Words in this story

deficiency /noun/  lack, shortage

acknowledge /verb/  recognize, admit, appreciate, approve

vital /adj/  essential, critical, crucial, key