SIRCLES in Italy meets with the new generation to talk about circular economy, recycling of organic waste and soil well-being
This article forms part of a series of publications under SIRCLES project to support circular economy opportunities for employment and social inclusion in our partner territories in Palestine, Lebanon, Spain, Tunisia, Italy, Greece, and Jordan.
School and environmental education is an essential combination to raise awareness on the opportunities of the circular economy.
On Tuesday 31 January 2023, a meeting was held with the students of the I.I.S.S. "Basile Caramia – Gigante" of Locorotondo as young people are amongst the main target group of SIRCLES project. The aim was to introduce students to circular economy and make them protagonists of an interactive lesson to fully understand the cycle of organic waste and offer them new job opportunities.
Gathered in the Boccardo Auditorium, the two classes selected for the event, followed with curiosity and proactivity the intervention of SIRCLES in-job trainees, once again as ambassadors of the circular economy in a context, however, different from the one they experienced so far.The topics discussed did not only aim to inform the youth on a new production model, but also to stimulate a reflection on the concept of waste, to increase knowledge on a little-known but crucial topic such as the organic waste cycle and, finally, to underline the importance of compost as a fundamental element for soil health. Themed quizzes, projection of explanatory videos, direct experience with compost samples and certified bags for the collection of wet waste were the nuances of a lesson as theoretical as interactive, sealed, finally, by the precious intervention of the Councilor for the Environment, as well as Deputy Mayor of Locorotondo, Vitantonio Speciale.
This initiative is part of a range of activities that enrich SIRCLES in Italy. The focus is always the same: to support the opportunities of the circular economy, which aims to extend the life cycle of products and reduce waste through the reuse, repair and recycling of materials.
That's why involving the youth becomes a strategic action.