Grupo Promesa: Driving Sustainable Change Through Environmental Education and Action

Grupo Promesa, founded by Ashoka Fellow Julio Álvarez, operates in Mexico,  promoting environmental education in schools and businesses. Through innovative  programs, it encourages the adoption of sustainable habits, such as waste management  and recycling, to create long-lasting environmental impact. By combining education with practical solutions, Grupo Promesa empowers individuals and organizations to make eco friendly changes in their daily lives. 

Grupo Promesa addresses the pressing need for environmental education and  sustainable behaviour change, particularly in Mexico, where waste management is a critical  issue. Mexico generates over 100,000 tons of solid waste daily, and only around 10% of that is  recycled. This highlights a significant gap in environmental awareness and infrastructure,  leading to unsustainable practices that harm ecosystems and public health. 

The solution provided by Grupo Promesa is rooted in fostering a culture of sustainability  through environmental education programs. These programs target schools, businesses,  and communities, aiming to instil lifelong sustainable habits, such as proper waste  separation, recycling, and responsible consumption. By working with educational  institutions, the organization engages with young people early on, empowering the next  generation to become environmentally conscious leaders. In the corporate sector, it helps  companies adopt more eco-friendly practices, contributing to the global movement toward  greener business models. 

One of Grupo Promesa’s key innovations is the integration of education with tangible action.  They go beyond theoretical knowledge by offering practical solutions such as waste management systems that schools and companies can implement immediately. This dual  approach—education and action—ensures that participants not only understand  environmental issues but are also equipped to make impactful changes in their daily  operations and lives. 

The organization’s work directly addresses several United Nations Sustainable Development  Goals (SDGs), including responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action  (SDG 13), and quality education (SDG 4). By promoting environmental responsibility and  offering accessible solutions, Grupo Promesa contributes to a broader shift towards  sustainability in Mexico and, potentially, across Latin America. 

In a country where environmental degradation and waste management remain challenges,  Grupo Promesa fills an essential social and organizational gap. The combination of  educational outreach, practical sustainability solutions, and focus on fostering long-term  behavioural change makes this initiative a powerful response to Mexico’s environmental  needs. The growing interest in sustainability worldwide underscores the relevance and  scalability of their approach. 

Grupo Promesa operates through a multifaceted  approach that combines education, technology, and practical implementation to promote  sustainable habits in schools, companies, and communities. Its solution is structured around  three core elements: environmental education programs, waste management systems, and  ongoing engagement for behaviour change. 

Environmental Education Programs : Grupo Promesa designs and delivers customized environmental education programs targeting schools and businesses. These programs are built around interactive workshops,  webinars, and hands-on activities that teach participants about key environmental issues,  including waste management, recycling, and climate change. By focusing on education, the  organization ensures that its participants understand the importance of sustainability and  are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. 

Waste Management Systems : One of the core technical components of Grupo Promesa’s solution is the implementation of  waste management systems. These systems are designed for ease of use in schools and  businesses, allowing for effective waste separation and recycling. Grupo Promesa provides  customized recycling bins, signage, and training on proper waste segregation to ensure that  institutions can efficiently manage their waste output. They focus on key waste streams,  including plastics, paper, organic materials, and electronic waste, ensuring that these are  disposed of or recycled in environmentally friendly ways. 

Data-Driven Feedback and Monitoring : Grupo Promesa integrates technology into its solution by using data collection and  monitoring tools to track the impact of its programs. These tools measure how much waste has been diverted from landfills, how many participants have adopted sustainable  practices, and the overall environmental benefits of their initiatives. The organization shares  this data with schools and companies to provide feedback and motivate continued engagement. This data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement and scalability  of the solution. 

Long-Term Engagement : The organization emphasizes long-term behavior change through continuous engagement.  After initial implementation, Grupo Promesa maintains regular contact with its partners,  offering additional support, refresher workshops, and updated educational materials. This  sustained involvement ensures that the positive environmental behaviors adopted during  the programs remain part of the culture of the participating schools and businesses. 

In summary, Grupo Promesa’s solution works by integrating environmental education, waste  management systems, and continuous support into a comprehensive sustainability  program. Through educational outreach, customized waste management solutions, and  data-driven feedback, the organization successfully drives lasting behavior change and  reduces environmental impact. 

Grupo Promesa’s social impact is significant, particularly in  addressing Mexico’s growing waste management and environmental awareness  challenges. By focusing on both education and practical solutions, the organization has  managed to foster widespread behavior change in schools, businesses, and communities,  contributing to long-term environmental sustainability. 

Grupo Promesa’s solution was deployed primarily in educational institutions and companies  across Mexico. Through partnerships with schools, they began by integrating environmental  education into the school curriculum, focusing on waste management and recycling habits.  

Their approach emphasizes experiential learning, where students engage directly with the  process of waste separation and recycling in their own environments. 

In the corporate sector, Grupo Promesa has partnered with companies to help them adopt  more sustainable practices in their day-to-day operations. This includes implementing  customized waste management systems, training employees on eco-friendly habits, and setting sustainability goals. By tailoring their approach to meet the unique needs of each  institution or company, the organization ensures high engagement and compliance with the  program. 

Grupo Promesa’s initiatives have reached over 300,000 students in more than 500 schools,  creating a significant shift in environmental awareness and behavior among young people.  By embedding sustainable practices into educational systems, the organization is  equipping future generations with the knowledge and tools to address environmental issues more effectively. In the corporate sector, the organization has worked with more than 150  companies, helping them reduce waste, lower their carbon footprints, and integrate  sustainability into their business models. 

One of the key metrics of Grupo Promesa’s success is the amount of waste diverted from  landfills. Through their recycling initiatives, they have managed to divert over 20 tons of  waste, significantly reducing the environmental impact of the schools and businesses they  partner with. Additionally, their data-driven approach allows them to monitor ongoing  improvements in sustainability metrics, providing tangible evidence of their impact. 

Beyond the numbers, the long-term impact of Grupo Promesa lies in the mindset shift they  foster. By creating a culture of environmental responsibility, both in educational institutions  and corporate environments, they are empowering individuals and organizations to make  sustainable decisions that will have lasting effects on Mexico’s environmental landscape. 

In conclusion, Grupo Promesa’s deployment has successfully created measurable social  and environmental impacts. The combination of education, practical waste management  solutions, and long-term engagement ensures that their work has both immediate and  sustained positive effects, contributing to a greener future for Mexico.