“Roots and the Future: Environmental Sustainability through Archaeobotany” Unearthing Sustainable Futures through Archaeobotany

“Roots and the Future: Environmental Sustainability through Archaeobotany” (Project No: 2025-1-IS01-KA152-YOU-000297094) was an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange hosted by the Green Behavior Youth Organization in Selfoss, Iceland, from 18 to 24 August 2025. The project brought together participants from Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, Türkiye, Ukraine represented respectively by the Green Behavior Youth Organization.

Participants engaged in team-building activities, intercultural workshops, and practical sessions introducing the methods of archaeobotany. Hands-on plant studies, storytelling exercises, role-playing, and soil investigations demonstrated how ancient plant remains can reveal sustainable practices relevant to contemporary society. Collaborative tasks fostered critical thinking, communication, and scientific curiosity while encouraging respect for biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Educational visits and field experiences in and around Selfoss enabled participants to connect classroom learning with Iceland’s unique natural and historical landscapes. Explorations of museums, heritage sites, and protected areas illustrated the interplay between human communities and their environments across time, inspiring a deeper commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship.

Creative dissemination accompanied the learning process throughout the exchange. Participants produced posters, blogs, and social media content to share their discoveries, while reflection sessions and Youthpass activities helped them recognize the competences they had developed. The project concluded with exhibitions, intercultural celebrations, and collaborative evaluation, leaving participants empowered to apply the lessons of archaeobotany and sustainability within their own communities.

Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution - Spreading Awareness on Air Pollution

After a transformative week in Milan for the Erasmus+ project “Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution”, our youth workers have returned home — inspired, motivated, and ready to take action. The project, hosted between 9–15 August 2025, united participants from Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Türkiye to explore the global issue of air pollution and develop local solutions.

Air pollution affects millions of people every day. Through interactive sessions and discussions, our team learned about:

The types and sources of air pollutants

The link between pollution, public health, and climate change

Strategies to promote eco-friendly habits and cleaner communities

The workshops encouraged critical thinking and collaboration, helping youth workers develop practical solutions adaptable to their local contexts — including Iceland.

One of the most impactful parts of the project was the digital communication workshop, where participants learned to create powerful online content to raise environmental awareness. Our Icelandic youth plan to launch a #CleanAirIceland social media campaign, sharing what they learned and inspiring others to adopt greener lifestyles.

The project also provided a platform for intercultural dialogue. Meeting peers from different countries allowed participants to understand environmental challenges from multiple perspectives and exchange creative ideas. This experience reinforced the importance of global cooperation in addressing shared environmental problems.

Back in Iceland, Green Behavior Youth Organization is committed to continuing the mission of “Hold Your Breath.” Together with our youth workers, we will:

Organize community discussions on air pollution

Collaborate with local schools to promote sustainable habits

Share resources and knowledge gained in Milan with Icelandic youth networks

The project’s spirit lives on, in every small step towards sustainability, every conversation started, and every young person inspired to protect our planet.

Hold Your Breath: Young Environmental Leaders Gather in Milan to Tackle Air Pollution

In August 2025, representatives from Green Behavior Youth Organization joined young environmental leaders from Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Türkiye for the Erasmus+ project “Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution (2025-1-IT03-KA153-YOU-000299023)” in Milan, Italy. The project took place from 9–15 August 2025 and focused on one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges — air pollution.

🌍 A Week of Learning, Sharing, and Action

Throughout the week, 40 youth workers aged 18–30 came together to deepen their understanding of air pollution, its sources, and its effects on both health and the environment. The sessions were designed to combine scientific learning, creativity, and leadership development.

Participants explored key environmental topics, including:

• The global impact of air pollution and climate change

• Health consequences of poor air quality

• Effective communication and awareness strategies

• Successful international examples of pollution reduction

Interactive workshops and discussions provided participants with tools to translate knowledge into community action. They also had the opportunity to explore Milan’s cultural and historical heritage, reinforcing the connection between sustainable living and appreciation for local environments.

💡 Empowering Future Leaders

Our Icelandic participants were particularly inspired by the emphasis on youth leadership and digital advocacy. During the social media workshop, they developed strategies to communicate environmental messages effectively and encourage behavior change through storytelling and online campaigns.

By the end of the project, all participants created personal and group action plans, outlining steps to raise awareness and reduce air pollution back home. These plans will guide their future initiatives and help spread sustainable practices throughout their communities.

🌱 A Lasting Impact

“Hold Your Breath” not only strengthened the participants’ environmental knowledge but also fostered a spirit of international cooperation. The friendships and networks built in Milan will serve as a foundation for future environmental collaborations across Europe.

Green Behavior Youth Organization is proud to have been part of this meaningful experience, empowering Icelandic youth to become advocates for a cleaner, healthier planet.