Horta à Porta in Porto
Categories: Governance, Strategy and Planning, Biogenic fraction, Eco Production, Eco Consumption, Waste Prevention, Communication and Education, Land use, Biodiversity
Organisation: LIPOR – Intermunicipal Waste Management of Greater Porto
Main partners:
- Municipalities – Porto, Maia, Matosinhos, Espinho, Gondomar, Valongo e Vila do Conde;
- Local Authorities (Parishes) of São Pedro de Rates, Aldoar Foz do Douro e Nevogilde, Aver-o-Mar Amorim e Terroso, Custóias Leça do Balio e Guifões, Vairão, Fajozes, Ermesinde, e Gondomar, Valbom e Jovim;
- Institutions and Companies – Therapeutic Community of Meilão, Porto Night Shelters, TECMAIA – Maia Technology and Sciences Park, CICCOPN – Vocational Training Center, ALADI – Lavra’s Association for the Intellectually Disabled, Sé Cathedral Social Institution, ACISJF – International Catholic Association at the Service of Feminine Youth, Maia Municipal Company, COHAEMATO – Housing Cooperative, APPACDM – Portuguese Association of Parents and Friends of the Mental Disabled, InComunidade – Cooperative of Social Solidarity, Ermesinde Social Centre and Porto Holy House of Mercy.
Localisation: Greater Porto (Portugal)
Summary
Since Lipor’s constitution, in 1982, the organic waste management has represented a crucial issue in Lipor’s strategy. Through composting, Lipor has promoted the recovery of the organic fraction present in the Municipal Waste (about of 40%, in weight, of its composition) and the production of a natural compost with beneficial properties for lands poor in organic matter.
Currently, and taking into account the National and European politics, Lipor developed a sustainable management of the municipal waste produced by its associated municipalities, in which preventing waste production is considered the starting point. Although there are several projects related with home composting, educational kitchen gardens and organic farming in Porto's Region, they are spread and not easily accessible to the population. The creation of a net of this nature has a great importance.
In an attempt to optimize the existing areas, information and resources in the region, Lipor launched the Project Horta à Porta. This initiative allows the creation of dynamic and productive green areas but also the promotion of the contact with nature and healthful habits without forgetting the waste reduction.