The "Zero time to waste" project was a significant step towards engaging young people in important issues related to food waste and ecology. The aim of this ambitious project was not only to draw attention to the problem of food waste, but also to educate and instill in young people the idea of an ecological lifestyle. In addition, meeting the needs of: -discovering new cultures, tastes, traditions, curiosity about the world, - developing specific methods of action in situations requiring task thinking, - developing soft skills, -conducting social campaigns, - ability to work in a group, in multicultural teams, -developing creativity, -broadening horizons and breaking stereotypes about other cultures. The main activity aimed at achieving the above-mentioned goals and meeting the needs was the organization of a youth exchange, which enabled its participants to learn about separate traditions, new languages, customs and other cultures. During the exchange, participants learned the secrets of ecological cooking, acquired skills that allowed them to become independent and minimize the amount of food thrown away, and everything was done in accordance with good ecological practices. This project contributed to the development of many competences in young participants. They not only gained knowledge in the field of ecology and cuisine, but also developed soft skills, such as the ability to work in a team. The entire project prepared young people for a more responsible and conscious life, which is extremely important in the context of contemporary ecological and social challenges. During the international exchange, one of the key achievements of the project was the creation of an accessible culinary and ecological book, which was a valuable guide for young people. This book not only teaches you how to use leftovers effectively, but also encourages you to create new dishes in a healthy and tasty way. The Zero Waste recipes included in the book are a practical tool that helps avoid food waste. It is worth emphasizing that such an initiative not only had a positive impact on the ecological aspect, but also on non-formal education. Young people had the opportunity to participate in various workshops during international exchange, which not only expanded their knowledge, but also encouraged them to take active action and solve problems related to food waste. The "Zero time to waste" project is an excellent example of an initiative that not only focused attention on ecological and social problems, but also provides practical tools and knowledge that can be used by young people in their everyday lives. Its impact is felt both at the level of the individual and society as a whole.