Every day, approximately 90 tons of trash reach the waters of Guanabara Bay, according to estimates by the Brazilian Association of Public Cleaning and Special Waste Companies (Abrelpe). In an unprecedented initiative, oceanographers from the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo (IOUSP) immersed themselves in this reality: for a month, they collected samples of floating waste and discussed with the public the possible origins and reasons behind this unsustainable routine. The final results of the "EnTenda o Lixo" project will be presented on September 16th, at 3 pm, at the Observatório do Amanhã (Observatory of Tomorrow) – registration is free. The tent will be relocated one day later at Largo de São Francisco da Prainha.

"We discussed issues related to marine debris directly with 2,000 people. We discussed the types of debris, possible origins, and recorded testimonials. We invite everyone to participate in this discussion, where we will present the project's results," says biologist Alexander Turra, coordinator of "EnTenda o Lixo."

The project was supported by Plastivida (Socio-Environmental Institute of Plastics), and in partnership with the Museum of Tomorrow, Instituto Costa Brasilis, Ministry of the Environment and the City of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to cultural support from Dow.