News
24.10.2024
Eco Holidays
Want to travel while caring for the environment? Start by choosing lower-emission transportation – trains or bikes are great alternatives to planes and cars. When booking accommodation, look for eco-friendly places like hotels with environmental certifications or sustainable farm stays. Avoid plastic packaging and carry reusable bottles and bags. Support local communities by using their services and products. This approach allows you to enjoy travel while minimizing your environmental footprint!
22.10.2024
Dreaming of your own eco-friendly corner?
A sustainable garden is a perfect way to care for the planet while enjoying the beauty of nature. Plant drought-resistant species that require less water, use rainwater for irrigation, and apply natural fertilizers like compost. Don’t forget about pollinators – creating spaces with bee- and butterfly-friendly flowers helps support the ecosystem. By tending to your garden in an eco-conscious way, you contribute to environmental protection and create a healthy, sustainable space for yourself and nature.
16.10.2024
Exciting Progress Update!
We are thrilled to announce that the ECO-Love Guide is almost ready! All partners are working hard to make it as beautiful and valuable as possible, combining creativity, science, and sustainability into one comprehensive handbook. This guide will be your go-to for eco-friendly tips and activities, designed to inspire a deeper connection with nature and empower you to protect our environment.
Stay tuned for the official release! Together, we’re shaping a greener future.
11.10.2024
Empowering Communities through Eco-Education!
The 5MEL Project is all about creating learning opportunities that inspire action. By organizing local workshops and transnational events, we’re building a network of eco-conscious individuals who are passionate about protecting the environment. Our focus is on empowering adults in rural areas, helping them recognize the risks of climate change and take steps to mitigate its effects through creative recycling and environmental education.
Thanks to the systematic cooperation of partners, we make environmental protection accessible to everyone, no matter where they live. Let’s learn, collaborate, and make a positive impact together!
10.10.2024
Building Green Skills for Future Generations!
The 5MEL Project is dedicated to empowering communities through environmental education. By focusing on recycling, upcycling, and sustainable practices, we aim to equip participants with essential green skills that not only benefit the environment but also foster creativity and innovation. Our workshops will bring together experts and local community members, encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
This is a fantastic opportunity for adults from partner countries to engage in hands-on learning experiences, develop eco-friendly habits, and inspire others in their communities to follow suit. Together, let’s work towards a healthier planet!
09.10.2024
Eco-Love: A Guide to Green Living!
As part of the 5MEL Project, we are planning to introduce the upcoming Eco-Love Guide! This comprehensive guide will bring together knowledge, experiences, and best practices from our workshops and research, offering practical tips on creative recycling, environmental protection, and sustainability. Designed for adults in rural areas and disadvantaged communities, but accessible for everyone, the guide will help individuals connect with their environment and take action to reduce their ecological footprint.
Whether you're an educator, environmental enthusiast, or simply looking for ways to make your lifestyle greener, the Eco-Love Guide is for you! Stay tuned for its release and start your journey towards a more sustainable future.
08.10.2024
Creative Recycling for a Healthier Planet!
Through the 5MEL Project, we’re taking environmental education beyond the classroom by offering unique workshops that focus on creative recycling and upcycling. Adults from across Europe will have the chance to learn innovative ways to repurpose waste and use natural materials for art, science, and more! The project also aims to improve the skills of adult educators, equipping them with new tools to teach environmental protection.
By collaborating with partners across Europe, we are spreading the message of environmental awareness and empowering local communities to take action. Let’s inspire positive change—one eco-friendly project at a time!
07.10.2024
Join the 5MEL Project for a Greener Tomorrow!
We are pleased to announce the launch of the 5MEL Project Facebook page, aimed at promoting environmental education and creative recycling among adults! By offering workshops and hands-on learning experiences, we will help participants develop green skills and foster creative ways to protect our planet. The project focuses on creating sustainable relationships with nature and empowering individuals to become active citizens in environmental protection.
Our goal is to motivate participants from all walks of life to get involved in recycling, upcycling, and nature-based STEAM activities. Together, we can make a difference and build a greener future for generations to come!
19.09.2024
Here’s a recap of the transnational partners' meeting in Lublin as part of the "5MEL" project!
A big thank you to our partners: New Edu, n.o. (Slovakia), ASOCIATIA EDUTEX (Romania), Akdeniz Naturel Yasam Dernegi (Turkey), Universidade Sénior de Oeiras (Portugal), and Fundacja Fundusz Inicjatyw (Poland) for inspiring discussions and shared plans!
18.09.2024
Transnational meeting "5MEL"
On September 16-18, 2024, the partners of the "5 Matters of Eco-Love: beautiful, sustainable and together" project, funded by the Erasmus+ program, gathered in Lublin, Poland, for a transnational meeting. The project aims to promote sustainable development through education and activities like recycling and upcycling, while also engaging local communities in environmental actions.
During the meeting, partners from Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Turkey, and Portugal discussed the progress of the "Eco-Love" guide and planned the next steps for organizing regional educational workshops. The event began with a creative recycling workshop, where participants sewed reusable shopping bags from old clothes they brought. The following days were dedicated to discussions on communication strategies, quality management, and project dissemination. There was also time for cultural exchange, as participants visited the Lublin Village Open Air Museum, learning about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The meeting was highly productive, strengthening the partnership and advancing the initiatives within the "5 Matters of Eco-Love" project.
17.09.2024
Day 2 of the transnational meeting within the project: Five Matters of Eco-Love: beautiful, sustainable and together
Presenting and reviewing work plans with a particular focus on arrangements for collaboration, communication and quality management continuation
Brainstorming the strategy to engage target groups, content of the internal workshop, Guide ECO-Love and the aim of the regional workshops
Discussing the dissemination strategy
Discussing the quality management strategy
16.09.2024
Day 1 of the transnational meeting within the project: Five Matters of Eco-Love: beautiful, sustainable and together
Creative Recycling Workshop - sewing reusable shopping bags
28.08.2024
The Role of Local Communities in Environmental Protection - How to Engage People?
Local communities play a crucial role in environmental protection, and their engagement can yield tangible benefits. To effectively involve people, start with education and raising awareness about ecological challenges. Organize workshops, meetings, and informational campaigns to help understand how daily decisions impact the planet. Supporting local initiatives, such as cleaning up local areas, planting trees, or creating community gardens, fosters a sense of community and responsibility. Promote sustainable practices like recycling, conserving water and energy, and using public transport or bicycles. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations can further strengthen eco-friendly efforts. It’s essential to make these actions inclusive, engaging different social groups, from children to seniors, to build a strong, environmentally conscious community.
26.08.2024
Ecological Inspirations from Around the World - Interesting Examples from Other Countries
Ecological innovations and projects from various parts of the globe can be a great source of inspiration for all of us! In Sweden, zero-emission cities like Växjö aim to completely eliminate CO2 emissions. In India, Delhi successfully implemented the "Odd-Even" campaign to regulate car traffic and reduce air pollution. In Australia, Adelaide promotes a circular economy, supporting recycling and material reuse.
The Netherlands leads in sustainable agriculture with innovative greenhouse methods that minimize water and pesticide use. In Costa Rica, almost 100% of energy comes from renewable sources, and the country aims for carbon neutrality. Singapore exemplifies sustainable urbanization with numerous parks and rooftop gardens, fostering biodiversity in urban environments.
These examples show that environmental protection efforts can be diverse and tailored to local conditions. Let's look at these and other inspirations to draw ideas for actions to protect our planet
19.08.2024
Starting the day with a cup of coffee in hand and exploring the important topics on sustainability and ecology through the 5Mel project is truly a joy. The peaceful atmosphere, a warm drink, and the wealth of knowledge provided by the "Five Matters of Eco-Love" initiative make for a perfect combination. It’s inspiring to see how small, mindful steps can contribute to a better, more sustainable world, and this platform is a wonderful resource for anyone passionate about making a positive impact on our planet.
#EcoLove #Sustainability #MorningRoutine #5Mel
15.08.2024
Beauty in a Sustainable Style - How to Combine Aesthetics with Ecology
A sustainable lifestyle doesn't mean giving up on aesthetics. You can harmoniously blend beauty with ecology by choosing natural materials such as wood, organic cotton, linen, or hemp. Furniture and decorations made from recycled materials look stylish and support environmental protection. The principle of minimalism with class suggests that less is more – it's worth choosing high-quality, durable items and avoiding an excess of things that quickly wear out or go out of fashion. Houseplants add charm to interiors and improve air quality, while responsible fashion means investing in clothes made from eco-friendly materials that support sustainable production practices.
DIY and upcycling are great ways to revive old items and create your own decorations from available materials. Choose natural cosmetics that are skin- and environment-friendly, avoiding products tested on animals. Conscious shopping for local products helps reduce the carbon footprint, and items with eco-certifications ensure sustainable production.
Recycling and composting are crucial – ensure waste is sorted properly, compost organic waste, and use reusable items. Supporting environmental initiatives by participating in local clean-up actions, supporting organizations working towards environmental protection, and educating yourself and others about the importance of taking care of our planet are also essential.
Every small step towards sustainable living makes a significant impact. Remember, our daily actions can positively affect our planet. Implementing these practices will not only help protect the environment but also improve the quality of our lives. Together, we can achieve more!
12.08.2024
Examples of Best Practices for Environmental Protection
Environmental protection is a task that each of us can engage in. It only takes a few simple changes in our daily lives to contribute to the protection of our planet.
Reducing plastic use is key – choose reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones, avoid products packaged in single-use plastic, and choose products in glass or metal containers. Saving energy is also important – turn off electronic devices when not in use, replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, and use smart thermostats and programmable timers.
Reducing water consumption is another step – fix leaking taps, use water-saving showerheads and toilet flushes, and collect rainwater for watering plants. In terms of mobility, use public transport, bicycles, or walk instead of driving. Carpool with others or use car-sharing services, and invest in electric or hybrid cars. Planning grocery shopping, buying local and seasonal products, and opting for quality over quantity help reduce waste.
Recycling and composting are crucial – ensure waste is sorted properly, compost organic waste, and use reusable items. Supporting environmental initiatives by participating in local clean-up actions, supporting organizations working towards environmental protection, and educating yourself and others about the importance of taking care of our planet are also essential.
Every small step towards sustainable living makes a significant impact. Remember, our daily actions can positively affect our planet. Implementing these practices will not only help protect the environment but also improve the quality of our lives. Together, we can achieve more!
24.07.2024
Eco-Love Guide
We are excited to announce that our consortium is currently working on the "ECO-Love Guide"! This innovative guide will be available in multiple languages and focus on five modules to promote ecological awareness and engagement:
Nature Photography & Photojournalism: Connecting with nature through photography and storytelling.
Creative Recycling & Upcycling: Encouraging creativity and eco-consciousness through recycling and upcycling.
Nature and Art: Expressing the bond with nature through art.
STEAM in Nature: Environmental learning through the STEAM approach.
Science & Nature: Delving into the intersection of science and the natural world.
Each module combines theory, practical activities, discussions, and creative forms of self-expression. The "ECO-Love Guide" aims to inspire a closer connection with nature, a deeper understanding of climate change, and the adoption of informed, eco-friendly decisions.
The "Five Matters of Eco-Love: beautiful, sustainable and together" project is being implemented under the Erasmus+ program . Its main goal is to increase motivation for creative recycling through workshops and environmental education. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle!
12.07.2024
Waste in Europe: Overview of Data
Global plastic production increased from 1.5 million tonnes in 1950 to 359 million tonnes in 2018, with a corresponding increase in plastic waste. Although plastic production fell sharply in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it quickly increased again in the second half of that year.
In Europe, the most common way of disposing of plastic waste is energy recovery, followed by recycling. About 25% of all plastic waste generated is landfilled. Half of the plastic collected for recycling is exported outside the EU, mainly due to a lack of sufficient capacity, technology, or financial resources to treat waste on-site. In 2020, EU waste exports to non-EU countries amounted to 32.7 million tonnes, primarily to Turkey, India, and Egypt.
Low plastic recycling levels in the EU lead to significant economic and environmental losses. It is estimated that about 95% of the value of plastic packaging material is lost to the economy after its short first-use period. In 2019, the production and burning of plastic worldwide released over 850 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By 2050, these emissions could rise to 2.8 billion tonnes, some of which could be avoided through improved recycling.
As part of the Green Deal, 55% of plastic packaging waste should be recycled by 2030. In January 2023, the European Parliament voted to tighten waste shipment rules to support reuse, recycling, and pollution reduction. The average amount of packaging waste per EU inhabitant in 2021 was 188.7 kg, with 35.9 kg of plastic waste per person, of which 14.2 kg was recycled.
03.07.2024
Looking for an eco-friendly and fun DIY project? Try painting glass jars!
This project is a great way to reduce waste and add a personal touch to your home. Share your creations with #5mel_project!
26.06.2024
Creative Recycling in the Project "Five Matters of Eco-Love: beautiful, sustainable and together"
Did you know that recycling can be not only eco-friendly but also beautiful and creative? Our project "Five Matters of Eco-Love" shows how we can create unique items from materials we already have.
Get inspired and join us in discovering new recycling possibilities! Do it with love for our planet and support sustainable development.
Use old jars to create beautiful lanterns.
Turn old t-shirts into trendy shopping bags.
Make unique decorations from cardboard boxes.
Together, we can make a big difference!
01.06.2024
Unforgettable moments from the internal workshop of the 5MEL project in Nitra!
From May 27 to 31, 2024, the non-profit organization New Edu hosted a workshop as part of the 5MEL project, focusing on promoting active citizenship and environmental education among adults. The workshop's agenda was incredibly rich and diverse. On the first day, participants learned about the concepts of creative recycling and upcycling, engaging in hands-on activities under the guidance of Fundacja "Fundusz Inicjatyw". The second day, owing to the generosity of New Edu, they had the opportunity to delve into the art of nature photography and storytelling through images.
The following day, Universidade Sénior de Oeiras encouraged delegates to connect with nature through artistic expression. On the fourth day, ASOCIATIA EDUTEX used interactive teaching methods to introduce the fascinating world of STEM. Finally, on the fifth day, Akdeniz Naturel Yasam Dernegi helped participants gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between science and the natural world.
Let’s change our environment and society together with project 5MEL!
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.