Go green: learning about sustainability and responsible consumption

Our goals were divided into five main fields: 1. Environment and Climate Change Tackle climate change by preserving the environment, promoting sustainability in and out and reducing carbon footpri...

Our goals were divided into five main fields: 1. Environment and Climate Change Tackle climate change by preserving the environment, promoting sustainability in and out and reducing carbon footprints. Acquire new habits to reduce, reuse and recycle materials and highlight the role of pollinators and flowers. 2. Good Health and Well-being Understand the effects on life expectancy of good habits and a healthy diet, incorporating physical and mental activities and also organic and local fresh products. 3. Quality Education Help the school community develop a culture of responsibility by reviewing our organization priorities and the environmental values transmitted. Renovate our methodology to boost motivation and active participation through practical tasks and innovative digital resources. 4. Inclusion, Equality and Non-discrimination Involve the local community and offer opportunities to disadvantaged groups through the educational use of the natural and social environment. Promote gender equality, breaking traditional gender roles, and resolve conflicts through dialogue. 5. Consumption and Production Foster responsible consumption using organic, local and seasonal products, saving energy and avoiding unnecessary plastics.

VALO organized 37 workshops across three themes: upcycling and ecological living covering recycling, reusable products (e.g., menstrual pads, beeswax wraps), and eco-friendly cosmetics; waste food with creative uses for waste materials, such as fabric dyeing; and gardening and reforesting, including roof farming and wildflower tea. LUO held workshops on waste reduction, upcycling, and zero-waste cooking with local ingredients, along with a hands-on experience aimed at teaching participants about the importance of reforestation and sustainable farming practices to promote biodiversity and food security. Participants explored biodiversity through a guided nature walk in the Ormoške lagune basins. EOI Loja organized workshops on zero-waste cooking, natural cosmetics, upcycling, and reforestation. Additionally, they designed and planted a botanical garden and conducted a guided nature walk to raise awareness on biodiversity. All three partners participated in three transnational meetings to exchange best practices and promote environmental sustainability. Materials for brochures and posters were collected to disseminate the project’s results and foster sustainability. They also published three guidebooks on ecological living.

The project enhanced educational programs by engaging participants in hands-on activities that promote greener lifestyles. In total, we conducted over 50 workshops across three countries focused on upcycling, zero-waste cooking, and environmental awareness. Through these efforts, we fostered community involvement and heightened awareness of ecological issues. We also produced three comprehensive "Guidebooks for Ecological Living" with contributions from participants throughout the workshops. The first guide features 26 DIY instructions on topics like natural cosmetics, ecological cleaning, upcycling, food waste management, and sustainable gardening. The second offers recipes using local, healthy ingredients, while the third serves as an earthkeeper's guide with sustainable practices for planting and forestry. Additionally, ecological guidelines were developed and shared among partners, strengthening collaboration on food waste and sustainable practices. The initiative culminated in a series of transnational meetings, allowing participants to exchange best practices and reinforce international bonds. These collective efforts contribute to a deeper understanding of ecological living and promote a culture of sustainability.