Green World

"The latest scientific data shows that the world's climate is changing in unprecedented ways. Global warming is causing significant and sometimes irreversible changes in rainfall, oceans, and winds worldwide, including in Europe. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, having harmful effects on nature and people.

Scientists believe that immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can limit the impact of climate change. Another concern is the amount of waste produced by households and businesses, negatively affecting the environment. The EU is actively working towards a circular economy to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

The project "GREEN WORLD" aims to educate participants about sustainable development and pollution reduction while fostering teamwork, intercultural understanding, and partnerships among EU countries. Through a 9-day program using non-formal education methods, we aim to meet the educational needs of the participants for sustainable development and pollution reduction.

The program encompasses three aspects - "Replace, Reduce, Reuse." Participants will learn about using environmentally friendly goods instead of those that pollute the environment ("Replace"). The focus will also be on reducing waste and consuming fewer resources ("Reduce"). Additionally, they will gain knowledge about reusing goods and reducing the cost of new items through "Recycling, Upcycling, and Downcycling." The program will also include a "Plogging" activity, a new Swedish trend that combines jogging and waste collection."

Uniting for a Sustainable Future: Insights from the 'Green World' Youth Exchange

The Erasmus+ funded youth exchange project titled "Green World" kickstarted its nine-day program on the 1st of September, hosting 20 vibrant youths from Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary, and Bosilegrad, Serbia. With four days already in progress, these international delegates have embarked on an invigorating journey to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: environmental protection and climate change.

Initiated by the NGO "New Society" in partnership with "Bubburriga" from Sardinia, Italy, "Youth Bridges Budapest" from Hungary, and "Glas-Bosilegrad" from Serbia, this exchange provides a platform for young minds to unite, share, and innovate solutions for the pressing challenges posed by human activity on the natural environment.

The program’s beginning was characterized by a series of interactive icebreakers and team-building games, ensuring all participants formed strong bonds and a harmonious working environment. This initial phase set the stage for the rigorous discussions, workshops, and group activities that followed.

One of the event's highlights included a hands-on session where attendees showcased their creativity by decorating reusable cups and recycling bins for plastic. Not only did this activity emphasize the importance of waste reduction, but it also served as a symbolic commitment by the youth to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

A central aspect of the discussions revolved around the "8 R's" principle: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle, repair, and rot. This framework guides individuals and communities to adopt practices that significantly diminish their carbon footprint.

Moreover, participants actively shared successful campaigns, initiatives, and best practices from their respective countries. This sharing of knowledge emphasized the universality of environmental challenges and showcased the plethora of innovative solutions being implemented across the continent.

With five more days to go, the "Green World" project promises more enriching sessions, brainstorming, and the eventual formulation of concrete steps to advance the environmental cause. While the journey may be long and arduous, the commitment and passion of these young participants provide a beacon of hope for a greener and more sustainable future.