Time is the Only Thing We Can’t Recycle: Raising Youth Awareness on Waste and Recycling
For Renewal Environmental Association took part as a partner in the Erasmus+ youth project “Time is the only thing we can’t recycle”, carried out under the Mobility of Young People action with project reference 2023-3-IT03-KA152-YOU-000178826. The project was implemented between 29 June and 6 July 2024, bringing together young people from Italy, North Macedonia, Türkiye, Hungary and Azerbaijan around a common environmental goal.
The project focused on one of the major environmental challenges of modern societies: waste management and recycling. Increasing consumption and waste production place significant pressure on natural resources and ecosystems. Throughout the project, participants explored the importance of reducing waste, recycling recyclable materials and adopting more environmentally responsible habits in everyday life.
A wide range of interactive activities supported the learning process, including “Every Waste is not A Garbage,” “Waste Glass Information Activity,” “Waste Plastic Warehouse” and “Waste Metal – Information Activity.” Group discussions, social awareness questionnaires and evaluation sessions gave participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, identify environmental problems and develop practical solutions. The project also emphasized the use of reusable products, such as cloth bags and reusable water bottles, as alternatives to single-use plastics.
Beyond environmental education, the project provided an important intercultural learning environment. Cultural nights, cultural visits and group activities brought participants from different backgrounds together, helping them improve their communication skills, strengthen their English and develop greater awareness of European values. Participants also received information about the Youthpass Certificate and had opportunities to reflect on and document their learning outcomes.
Through its participation in “Time is the only thing we can’t recycle,” For Renewal Environmental Association contributed to strengthening young people's awareness of environmental sustainability and responsible resource use. The project also supported participants in developing skills such as research, data collection, problem-solving, teamwork and presentation while encouraging them to become more conscious of the environmental and economic consequences of excessive waste production.
The project demonstrated that environmental awareness can be strengthened through cooperation, practical learning and intercultural exchange. By encouraging young people to rethink their consumption habits and take responsibility for the waste they produce, the project contributed to the wider goal of building a cleaner and more sustainable future.
