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Zielona Europa dla młodych - kroki w kierunku zrównoważonego stylu życia

2024-1-PL01-KA152-YOU-0002335372024Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: PL|GE|AZ|UA|MD · Grant: €37,570
Green transport and mobilityGreen skillsEnvironment and climate change

Objectives

The aim of the project "Green Europe for the Young - Steps Towards a Sustainable Lifestyle" was to increase the ecological awareness of young people and inspire them to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. In the face of growing environmental problems - such as climate change, degradation of ecosystems, air, water and soil pollution or the gradual loss of biodiversity - we saw an urgent need to educate young people about the impact of humans on the environment and the need to take action to protect it. For many years, humans have been conducting economic and social activities in an ill-considered and destructive way for nature. Today, the consequences of these actions are already clearly visible, and the continued functioning of the world - according to reports from organizations such as the European Union, the UN or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - is very much in question. Future generations are particularly at risk, which is why we decided to direct our educational activities to young people, who will soon have a real impact on the direction of development of societies and the economy. Our intention was not only to provide theoretical knowledge, but above all to shape pro-ecological attitudes and develop practical skills. We wanted to show that everyone – regardless of age, place of residence or social status – has a real impact on the environment. That is why we focused on education in the field of everyday choices and habits that can be easily changed to be more ecological. Examples of such actions include: turning off the water while brushing your teeth, using reusable packaging, reducing the use of plastic, consciously separating waste, choosing local and seasonal products or using public transport or a bicycle. Another important goal of the project was to promote the idea of ​​international cooperation and solidarity in the context of global environmental challenges. By cooperating with partners and participants from different countries, we created a space for dialogue, exchange of experiences and joint search for solutions to problems that – as it turned out – are common to many regions of Europe. We understood how important it is to share good practices, inspirations and knowledge in order to jointly face the challenges of the future. One of the key elements of the project was the organization of workshops, debates and practical classes, which were intended to develop the participants' competences in the field of sustainable development, environmental protection and civic activity. We want young people to be able to analyze the reality around them, think critically, and make informed decisions as consumers, citizens, and members of local communities. Thanks to various work methods – such as group work, simulations, educational games, and discussions – participants gained practical tools to implement changes in their own lives and inspire others to do the same. The project also aimed to develop the participants’ soft skills, which are essential in today’s world – including communication, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and project activities. Young people had the opportunity to participate in the process of creating and implementing their own pro-ecological micro-projects, which allowed them to become really involved in the life of their local communities and to practically apply the knowledge they had acquired. The youth exchange also enabled deepening intercultural dialogue and promoting European values, such as solidarity, social responsibility, respect for nature, and diversity. Thanks to working together, participants learned about different perspectives on environmental problems and saw that despite cultural differences, we share a common responsibility for the future of the planet. Another goal of the project was to show that changing your lifestyle to a more sustainable one does not have to involve sacrifices, but can be a way to a more conscious, healthy and satisfying life. We wanted the participants to understand that ecology is not just a slogan, but specific actions that can be taken every day – at home, at school, at work or in public spaces. The “Green Europe” project was to be an impulse for reflection, but also the beginning of lasting changes in the approach of young people to the environment.

Project partners (5)