We tried to set binding targets for waste prevention and recycling to contribute to the ecological transition. In general we wanted to achieve: -The establishment in all schools of recycling and temporary storage areas by students and teachers -The source decomposition process turned into a habit by students, teachers and parents starting from their homes. - Development of collaboration among students, teachers and parents in waste management practices -Reduction of waste generated in all schools -Reduction of carbon footprint by minimizing energy consumption in schools; -Experimentation of recycling practices by students through workshop activities - Understanding and acquisition of new concepts such as "Recycling Greenhouse," "Compost," "Up-cycling," and "biogas" in Zero Waste applications; knowledge of the ISO 14001 environmental management system and the Green School label; - integration of Zero Waste and Recycling into the school curriculum; acquisition of a new perspective on nature education, permaculture and artistic designs; first-hand knowledge of the educational systems of different countries, recognizing different cultures and acquiring language skills in Europe; production and dissemination of good green practices.
With the project partners, we reflected on the fact that we waste too much in Europe and most of the waste we produce is still buried or burned. Only 40 percent is recycled. The need to implement a zero-waste strategy, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators by involving individual local communities in the ecological management of their own waste, is noted on many fronts. The realization that reuse, recovery, recycling, and composting are essential for our planet has prompted us to implement this project, raising awareness of environmental issues among the younger generation. Each school involved in the project conducted surveys among students to understand their level of knowledge and awareness on the topic. The results revealed low knowledge on the subject. It was observed that students needed training on how to prepare activities and teaching materials related to recycling. In our project, we tried to make our students protagonists of good green practices, with interventions involving all school administrations. Educating our students from an early age about proper waste management in our schools will be the first step in initiating an ecological transition in all layers of society.