An interview with Illiane Gonzalez: Initiator of the Sayulita Recycling Center Project

Illiane, or Illie, Gonzalez is an inspiring, 24 year old young lady who started the Sayulita Recycling Center project and has dedicated hours to turning Sayulita into a more sustainable community.

Illiane, you study Environmental Engineering. Have you always been interested in the environment and sustainability?

When I was in high school I found that I loved doing art projects and reusing materials. Also, we had a class where we had to collect plastic bottles in order to earn extra points for passing that class, and at the same time, support the recycling program. Although I loved engaging in those projects, my full awareness started when I began to travel through México and experienced culture, people, and history as a teacher. I met people working in my field and started questioning my journey and life objectives. I realized that as an Environmental Engineering student, I had a responsibility, so I decided to take action and matters into my own two hands.

“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere”.

Annie Leonard, American proponent of sustainability and a critic of consumerism

How did the idea of a Sayulita Reycling Center come about?

As I had now decided to take action, I moved from Colima, Mexico to Sayulita. In Sayulita, I started working at Palmar Trapiche, which is the second location of the Cervecería Artesanal de Colima. And when I came across the local recycling center, I felt such excitement, and I knew right away I wanted to collaborate. I immediately realized how big of an opportunity and potential that recycling center had.

What exactly does the Sayulita Recycling Center do?

The recycle center collects the town's garbage, and separates all garbage into material that can be recycled and waste (REAL waste). Basically, all trash can be co-processed or re-valuated by introducing it back into the consuming cycle. That is how we started to reduce the garbage that is (literally) buried in the landfill. 

What is your goal for the Sayulita Recycling Project?

In an ideal world, the recycle center would pick, collect, separate, and reuse materials (residuos in Spanish) in addition to spread environmental education and promote social participation.

Illie, you worked at Palmar Trapiche. Are they also involved with, or supportive of, the project?

Yes, absolutely. They are very much dedicated to keeping our environment clean. Palmar Trapiche are always supportive of my ideas, and collaborate as much as they can.

How can the community of Sayulita stand together to make this project a success?

That is a good question. You could say I am a bit of an idealist. As for this project, if people will only begin to see the collective and mutual benefits of the project, we are already heading in the right direction. As a community, we should have empathy for each other as human and living beings.

Where can we find the Recycle Center, and what can we recycle?

The Sayulita Recycle Center is located next to the trash dump on the Punta Mita Highway, just pass the entrance to town. A fence separates the trash area and the recycle area. Therefore, trash doesn't enter the recycle center. The hours of both the recycle center and dump are 7 am to 11 pm. Outside of those hours, the gates will be closed and locked, and leaving any kind of materials is not permitted.

What can we recycle? 

• Glass, of any color
• Plastic
• Aluminum cans
• White paper
• Magazines
• Cardboard

How do we sort it?

The more you sort, the better it is. However, if you are short on time you can put glass, plastic, and cans in one container. Paper and magazines should be tied together and cardboard should be broken down. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to say, "THANK YOU" to all the beautiful and committed people I met during my journey in the community of Sayulita. We all know it is hard to fight against the resistance/current, but if we can only stand together as a community and spread the voice of change, we are blessed with motivation, and inspiration to make this world a better place. I also want to thank Sayulita Life and Pro Sayulita for all the support and acceptance.