Youth in action for eco-YOU-ACT4ECO
The European Union and Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation (I.NE.DI.VI.M) provided support for this Erasmus+ Youth Project.
Overview
Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. Rapid industrialization, technological growth, and unsustainable consumption have led to increased resource depletion and waste generation—causing irreversible damage to ecosystems. Studies show that half of all global pollution has occurred in just the past 35 years, emphasizing the urgency of collective action.
Youth in Action for Eco aims to empower young people to take responsibility for their environment through awareness, experiential learning, and community engagement. By focusing on four main pollution types—air, water, soil, and noise—the project enables participants to understand the causes, consequences, and possible solutions to environmental degradation.
To raise environmental awareness among young people and promote recycling, sustainable living, and active eco-citizenship for a cleaner, more livable Europe.
Specific Objectives
- To inform youth about air, water, soil, and noise pollution and their interconnected impacts.
- To teach the causes and consequences of environmental pollution through practical exploration.
- To develop understanding of waste management and recycling practices.
- To encourage young people to become environmentally responsible actors in their local communities.
Project Location
Polychrono, Chalkidiki – Greece
The coastal area of Polychrono provides an ideal setting to study pollution in real contexts—connecting learning with direct environmental observation and field actions.
Participants
- Total: 42 participants (6 youth + 1 leader from each of 6 organizations)
- Age Range: 18 – 30 for youth, 25 + for leaders
- Inclusion: Each group includes 3 socially or economically disadvantaged participants
- Methodology: Non-formal education, experiential learning, field visits, and creative reflection
Programme Outline
Day 1 – Welcome & Orientation
Ice-breakers, expectations, and introduction to Erasmus+ and Youthpass. Overview of program themes and eco-agreements.
Day 2 – Environmental Awareness
Group-building activities and a documentary screening on air, water, soil, and noise pollution. Discussion and reflection circles.
Day 3 – Soil Pollution & Waste Games
Buzz-group discussions on soil degradation and littering.
Field Action: Cigarette-butt collection game and creative waste-sorting activities.
Micro Youth Basin Game: Designing basketball-style bins to promote recycling in public spaces.
Day 4 – Air Pollution & Monitoring
Expert presentation on air pollution sources and impacts.
What Am I? game highlighting air-polluting objects.
Visit to the National Air Quality Monitoring Station and interactive session on measuring air quality using “Tetra Bin” simulation.
Day 5 – Water Pollution & Field Trip
Panel discussion and pH testing of water samples brought by participants.
Eco Excursion: Visit to Lake Mavrobara, where participants clean the surrounding area and develop prevention strategies for water pollution.
Day 6 – Noise Pollution & Community Action
Screening of real-life examples followed by drama performances on everyday noise sources.
Eco awareness activities such as bike tours and walks promote quiet, sustainable mobility.
Day 7 – Waste & Recycling Workshop
Hands-on workshop at the Department of Green and Environment.
Participants transform solid waste into reusable products and exchange them with the public to spread awareness.
Social-media campaign on “From Waste to Worth.”
Day 8 – Education & Community Engagement
Logo-creation session: each group designs a symbol promoting environmental protection.
Visit to a local high school in Chalkidiki to organize a “Blue Cap and Plastic Recycling Day.”
Youth share best recycling practices from their countries.
Day 9 – Photo Contest & Recycling Center Visit
Eco Lens Contest: Participants exhibit photos of local pollution scenes to highlight awareness.
Visit to the Polychrono Recycling Center to observe the entire recycling process firsthand.
Outdoor activity “Follow the Path” traces pollution’s impact on local ecosystems.
Day 10 – Evaluation & Future Action
Preparation of final project outputs (video and dissemination plan).
Presentation of Youthpass certificates and evaluation session.
Commitments for future eco-initiatives in participants’ home countries.
Results & Impact
By the end of the project, participants had:
✅ Understood the causes and effects of pollution (air, water, soil, noise).
✅ Gained hands-on experience in waste management and recycling.
✅ Strengthened their environmental values through field visits and community engagement.
✅ Improved key competences of Youthpass (communication, social skills, cultural awareness).
✅ Contributed to local and European awareness of environmental issues.
✅ Formed long-term networks of eco-conscious youth across Europe.
The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
