The Laboratory of Special Vocational Education E.E.E.EK. of Agios Dimitrios, the 1st Gymnasium of Agios Dimitrios and the 2nd High School of Agios Dimitrios as part of the European Waste Reduction Week 2024, invite all the schools of the southern suburbs of Athens to take part in their joint experiential actions of environmental awareness for Food Waste Reduction with the title “Drown Out Food Waste”. With the support of the Municipality of Agios Dimitrios, the environmental non profit organization NoWaste21 and the D’ directorate of primary and secondary education in Athens, we aspire to create an awareness community based on food waste reduction aiming in the transition to sustainable waste management.
The program aims to reduce food waste through initiatives focused on prevention, reuse, and food rescue, fostering collaboration and social responsibility. It involves students from various schools, including those with disabilities, offering them opportunities to participate in shared educational activities. This integration promotes skill development, experience exchange, and acceptance of diversity. A key goal is to create an inclusive environment where students from general schools learn to embrace differences and understand that diversity is complex. The program reinforces the idea that all children, regardless of ability, deserve equal educational opportunities.
The initiative is designed to raise awareness and educate students about the value of food, as well as the environmental and societal consequences of food waste. It includes a range of activities aimed at fostering sustainability. Students participate in educational programs that focus on the importance of food and the impacts of waste. In addition, they engage in sustainability practices such as composting and recycling to promote responsible food management.
A key component of the program is home gardening, where students grow vegetables, learning how to respect food and reduce waste in the process. The initiative also organizes campaigns to distribute excess food to local communities or charitable organizations. This not only helps address food waste but also promotes a sense of social responsibility.
The program emphasizes community involvement by collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about food waste. Students are taught proper food storage techniques to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. Additionally, they are educated on meal planning to avoid overeating and minimize waste.
Another important aspect of the program is meal production activities, which include events like cooking sessions or taste tests that make use of surplus or leftover food. Collaboration with local businesses is also encouraged, with efforts to sell or donate food that is approaching its expiration date. The program also explores innovative solutions, such as the creation of a website focused on food waste prevention, specifically targeting students, alongside the use of apps to help consumers make more efficient use of food and reduce waste. Overall, the program promotes a culture of sustainability, responsible consumption, and community involvement to reduce food waste and its impact on society.
Those interested will have the opportunity to attend our joint actions and experiential activities which will take place at the special education school for the period 18/11/24–22/11/234
Monday, November 18, 2024 – Online meeting of participating schools with the aim of attending presentations from representatives of the collaborating organizations (Town Hall of Agios Dimitrios: Mr. Kyriakakis, NoWaste21: Mr. Malliaris, Mathimata Mageirikis: Mrs. Karapostoli, Boroume: Mrs Grigoriou Agricultural University of Athens: Mr. Kyritsis).
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 : Planting aromatic plants in alternative vegetable gardens.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 : Culinary educational activities, collection and design of original recipes by participating students in collaboration with food industry professionals. (Mathimata Mageirikis, Odyssea)
Thursday, November 21, 2024 : Culinary educational activities, collection and design of original recipes by participating students in collaboration with food industry professionals. (Mathimata Mageirikis, Odyssea)
Friday, November 22, 2024 : Composting – Crafting and construction activities.