Promoting Sustainability Through Waste Management and Local Cooperation

Green Behavior Youth Organization participated as a partner in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “For the Better: Sustainability” (Reference No: 2024-3-HU01-KA152-YOU-000267485), which brought together young people from Hungary, Türkiye, Romania, Portugal, Latvia, and Iceland between 18–25 May 2025. The project aimed to encourage sustainable lifestyles, strengthen environmental responsibility, and promote the active involvement of young people in sustainable development processes. Through non-formal learning activities, participants gained valuable knowledge about environmental issues while exploring innovative and sustainable solutions for contemporary challenges.

Comprehensive sessions on waste management enabled participants to explore how waste can be handled responsibly in ways that minimize negative impacts on both the environment and human health. Through presentations, discussions, and group activities, they examined the key principles of sustainable waste management, including waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Participants also discussed the role of effective waste management in protecting natural resources and preventing soil, water, and air pollution.

The activities further highlighted the importance of resource efficiency and the circular economy concept. Participants learned how recycling processes contribute to reducing the consumption of raw materials and explored practical examples of how waste can be transformed into valuable resources. These discussions encouraged greater awareness of environmentally responsible choices and inspired participants to adopt more sustainable habits in their everyday lives.

A visit to local stakeholders provided an opportunity to share the experiences and learning outcomes gained throughout the project. Participants exchanged ideas with representatives from the local community, listened to their perspectives, and discussed ways to strengthen sustainability initiatives at the local level. This experience helped participants understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and cooperation in achieving long-term environmental goals.

Reflection and evaluation activities allowed participants to analyze the knowledge and experiences gained during the sessions and assess their personal learning progress. The activities encouraged solution-oriented thinking regarding environmental challenges and strengthened participants’ awareness of the important role young people can play in creating a more sustainable future.