The practice of socio-environmental responsibility: study in a biofuel company

Abstract

The current socio-environmental problems have conquered a space of great relevance among the issues discussed in our society because they are mostly caused by human intervention and because they threaten the ecological balance of the planet and the existence of different forms of life. Therefore, sustainable consumption habits and practices may cause a decrease in the amount of goods purchased and waste generated after consumption, contributing to environmental preservation. In this sense, biodiesel presents itself as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because it is considered a biodegradable fuel, derived from renewable sources such as pure or already used vegetable oils and animal fat. Considering the importance of these organizations that produce biodiesel for environmental and social sustainability, this study aim to describe how an organization that produces biofuels putting the socio-environmental responsibility into practice in the communities where it operates. A qualitative research of the case study type was carried out in which the Manager (managing partner) of a small company that produces biofuels was interviewed, established in a municipality located in the southern region of Minas Gerais. The semi-structured interview was used as the data collection method and the data categorization method was used for analysis. The significant practices were found, such as the implementation of a production process that prioritizes the principles of eco-efficiency, work with the government to establish measures aimed at the conscious disposal of vegetable and animal oil in the region and actions to raise awareness. of communities. It was also noticed, when analyzing the reports of the Manager interviewed, that this organization privileges the integrating paradigm of sustainability that seeks economic growth without causing major impacts to the environment.