Strategies for sustainable reuse of green coconut biomass in a Southern Brazilian coastal region: Perspectives from a circular economy

Green coconut is a source of biomass waste in Brazil, particularly in coastal areas and during the summer season, owing to its high consumption rate. It poses various environmental challenges, including the potential emission of greenhouse gases, pollution of beaches and oceans, visual disruption along coastlines, proliferation of pests, and contamination of soil. However, embracing sustainable practices aligned with a circular economy enables mitigating those impacts. This paper aims to propose sustainable solutions that create economic, social, and environmental value from the waste of green coconuts in the Paraná coastal region, Brazil. The literature on sustainable use of green coconut waste worldwide was reviewed, and the findings adapted and applied in the context of Paraná’s coastline. Viable options for utilizing green coconut waste include craft production, development of sustainable products, fuel and energy, among others. These options are explored with a focus on fostering social and economic development in the region. This utilization of fruit waste prompts endeavors that benefit society by creating opportunities for generation employment and income, promoting local and regional social development. Additionally, it delivers environmental benefits by promoting sustainable practices within a circular economy framework, thus ensuring responsible and sustainable management of resources. The novelty of the manuscript is to identify the main environmental issues and impacts resulting from the accumulation of green coconuts on beaches and landfills; and with this, highlight opportunities for value recovery, generating income, promoting social development and improving environmental conditions in a coastal region in Brazil.