Plan for organizing the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) in a high school, designed to be conducted within one day but extendable throughout the week to engage a broader school community and deepen ecological awareness.
Detailed Day Plan
1. Introduction to the Topic – Educational Workshop
– Duration: 45 minutes
– Description: Start with a presentation on EWWR, incorporating interactive elements such as short documentaries about environmental pollution or an online recycling quiz.
– Additional Materials: Multimedia presentations, educational videos, interactive quizzes.
– Objective: Make the introductory session more engaging with interactive tools and peer discussions.
2. Creative Workshop – “Second Life for Items”
– Duration: 1.5 hours
– Description: Set up different stations with various projects: one for making planters, another for decorative items, and another for simple school supplies. Students rotate between stations to try different tasks.
– Additional Materials: Project guides, sample pictures of completed crafts, prizes for the most creative projects.
– Objective: Demonstrate how waste can be repurposed creatively and gain practical upcycling experience.
3. Practical Activity – Sorting and Recycling Workshop
– Duration: 1 hour
– Description: Introduce a gamified challenge where teams race to correctly sort sets of waste. Discuss local recycling regulations and new EU directives.
– Additional Materials: Waste sorting simulation apps, educational posters.
– Objective: Reinforce knowledge through competition and fun, and increase understanding of local recycling rules.
4. Eco Knowledge Contest
– Duration: 1 hour
– Description: Besides a standard quiz, organize a team-based game using platform Kahoot! Create themed rounds (e.g., recycling facts, carbon footprint, zero-waste practices).
– Additional Materials: Smartphones or tablets, prizes for winners.
– Objective: Boost student engagement with interactive and competitive learning.
5. Lecture on Zero Waste and Minimalism in Daily Life
– Duration: 45 minutes
– Description: Include an interactive exercise where students write down their daily habits and identify which ones can be changed to be more eco-friendly.
– Additional Materials: Informative brochures, examples of zero-waste apps (e.g., food waste monitoring tools).
– Objective: Encourage personal reflection and promote practical eco-friendly habits.
6. Creating an Eco-Action Plan for the School
– Duration: 1 hour
-Description: After group discussions, have students create short presentations or posters showcasing their ideas. The best proposals can be implemented in the school with the support of staff.
– Additional Materials: Whiteboards, markers, presentation templates.
– Objective: Foster teamwork and leadership skills while inspiring collective eco-responsibility.
7. Wrap-Up and Certificate Presentation
– Duration: 30 minutes
– Description: Conclude with reflections, where students share their thoughts and experiences from the day. Hand out certificates of participation or symbolic prizes, like tree seeds for planting.
– Additional Materials: Certificates, small gifts, a summary slideshow.
– Objective: Motivate students for future eco-actions and acknowledge their participation.
– Virtual Tour- an online visit to a local waste sorting facility or recycling plant.
– Long-Term Projects: Set up an “Eco Corner” at school where students can leave and swap used books, clothes, or school supplies.
– Guest Speakers: Collaborate with local environmental organizations to host guest lectures or workshops.
Implementing such a project during the European Week for Waste Reduction can be an inspiring and educational experience that positively influences students’ attitudes and encourages them to take action for sustainable development