October 25, 2007 - News

The social economy at work
A UVic assistant professor is playing a bit part in changing the world's economic forces through garbage. Of course, Jutta Gutberlet objects to the word "garbage" used in the context of her work. She's co-ordinator of a $1-million project in Brazil aimed at improving networks among 400 people who informally pick up waste, separate it, and then resell it. The material is a "valuable resource," particularly to those Brazilians eking out a living from selling it. Gutberlet believes her work, sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency, could have local applications.