The project aimed to empower youth and youth workers by providing innovative digital tools, e-learning materials, and training modules to help them develop new skills and knowledge. These resources enabled them to become ambassadors for change, promoting resource conservation and waste reduction through reuse and upcycling. The initiative aimed for the development of reuse community networks, to enhance communication, and motivate youth to design and manage their own community projects. The project created a unique, one-stop learning and collaboration hub, highlighting the ecosystem of reuse and the key role of youth. It offered knowledge-sharing opportunities, with users contributing new content and sharing ideas and best practices.
Every year, over 2.12 billion tonnes of waste are generated, yet only 40% of household waste is reused, recycled, or upcycled. Remarkably, 99% of products we buy are discarded within six months. Currently, the global economy is just 9% circular. Directive 2008/98/EC mandates member states to develop waste management plans, highlighting the need to promote reusing and extending product lifecycles. Aligned with the EU Youth Strategy's goal of a Sustainable Green Europe, the ScaleUPcycling project seeked to inspire youth to become environmentally conscious and active, driving change in their daily lives. While reuse remains an untapped potential, there has been recent growth in upcycling initiatives. The project aimed to create a digital platform for collaboration among youth, youth workers, and others in the reuse and upcycling ecosystem, helping them develop skills to become local change-makers and ambassadors for upcycling.