Name: WILLIAN DOS SANTOS POTON
Publication date: 23/02/2026
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| JACQUELINE ROGERIA BRINGHENTI | Examinador Externo |
| LUCIANA HARUE YAMANE | Examinador Interno |
| RENATO RIBEIRO SIMAN | Presidente |
Summary: This dissertation analyzed the influence of sociodemographic and socioenvironmental factors, as well as the effects of participation in environmental education initiatives, on the environmental perceptions and practices of residents and students from urban and rural communities in the municipalities of Guarapari, Anchieta, and Muniz Freire (Espírito Santo, Brazil), with regard to household solid waste management and sanitation. When assessing the effects of variables such as educational level, age, area of residence, and involvement in environmental education activities on adherence to selective waste collection and the quality of waste separation at the source, urban residents exhibited a more critical perception of waste separation, whereas rural residents demonstrated higher levels of practical engagement. Participation in educational actions—particularly those of a non-formal nature—proved to be more effective in encouraging sustainable practices, highlighting the appreciation of waste pickers and the strengthening of territorial belonging as central elements for environmental engagement. Likewise, analysis of the relationship between sociodemographic variables and participation in environmental education activities with perceptions of water supply, sanitation services, the discharge of effluents into water bodies, and confidence in the quality of consumed water revealed that environmental perception is heterogeneous and conditioned by factors such as area of residence, educational level, age group, and involvement in educational initiatives. These findings reflect territorial inequalities and structural shortcomings in sanitation services. Taken together, the results reinforce that environmental practices and perceptions are shaped by social, educational, and territorial factors, underscoring the need for public policies that integrate infrastructure, education, and social inclusion to promote sustainability.
