{"id":3680,"date":"2026-10-20T11:00:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gezider.org\/projeler\/less-plastic-more-heatlh\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T11:00:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:00:03","slug":"less-plastic-more-heatlh","status":"publish","type":"gezider_project","link":"https:\/\/gezider.org\/en\/projeler\/less-plastic-more-heatlh\/","title":{"rendered":"Less plastic, More heatlh"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gz-note\"><em>\u00d6zet, Erasmus+ Project Results platformunda yay\u0131mlanan \u0130ngilizce metindir.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Ama\u00e7<\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">By implementing this project, we aimed to contribute to the reduction of plastic use by recognizing the damage caused by plastic to nature and raising awareness about the issue among the participants. Our goal was to unite young people in protecting the environment and the living creatures harmed by plastic waste, to develop new solutions, and to raise awareness about the impact of plastics on nature. We sought to direct participants toward sustainable alternatives and, in doing so, contributed to reducing plastic consumption.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Plastics had gained great importance in the last century due to the increasing population, ease of transportation and use, low cost, and easy production. Statistics showed that half of the plastics produced to date had been manufactured in the last 13 years, with only 9% being recycled. The rest had been released into the environment, causing serious pollution and rapidly depleting natural resources. Plastic waste visible to the naked eye constituted only 1% of the total plastic waste in waters, while the remaining 99% endangered marine life.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Through this project, we took steps to reduce plastic waste and raise awareness. Activities and dissemination efforts during and after the project increased motivation among participants, local communities, and individuals reached via social media. These efforts promoted reducing plastic use, reusing materials, and recycling waste. Participants gained confidence in leading environmental initiatives, improved their digital skills, and became more conscious of plastic pollution.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Additionally, participants developed leadership skills, creativity, and craftsmanship while engaging in activities. Cultural nights allowed them to learn about different cultures, overcome prejudices, and form lasting friendships. They also improved their language and communication skills, intellectual capacity, and education level.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Our specific project objectives were as follows:<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">To raise awareness among participants about the use of plastic in daily life and its environmental impact.<br \/>\nTo encourage participants to use materials that did not harm nature as alternatives to plastic and to avoid plastic-packaged products.<br \/>\nTo educate participants on the damage plastics caused to the environment and living beings and to extend this awareness to the local community.<br \/>\nTo increase the motivation of young people to take initiatives for a cleaner environment.<\/p>\n<h3>Uygulama<\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">The project implemented a diverse range of activities designed to engage participants both intellectually and practically with the issue of plastic waste. The activities combined theoretical learning with hands-on experiences, creating an immersive educational environment.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The project was attended by 41 participants aged 16-30 from six European countries: Germany, Italy, T\u00fcrkiye, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Latvia could not participate as initially planned, and one participant from Greece was unable to attend due to illness. Despite these challenges, the group was diverse and inclusive, with participants from varied social backgrounds, including multiple individuals from disadvantaged communities.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The project began with a series of workshops on the environmental impact of plastic, which provided a theoretical foundation for participants. Experts on the topic presented information on the harmful effects of plastic on ecosystems and human health, followed by group discussions. Participants also created posters that visually represented the impact of plastic waste, allowing them to express their understanding creatively.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Following the workshops, the project moved into a more practical phase with hands-on activities. Participants took part in a lake clean-up activity, collecting plastic waste and other litter to experience firsthand the scale of pollution. A school visit allowed participants to interact with students, educating them on the harms of plastic and developing public speaking and community engagement skills.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Creative projects focused on recycling were also implemented. Participants were divided into teams and tasked with designing recycling bins using recyclable materials. Each team created a bin for a specific type of waste such as plastic, glass, paper, or medical waste for encouraging innovative thinking about waste management.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The project also included a variety of interactive and artistic activities such as t-shirt painting, role plays, short film creation, a flash mob, cultural nights, and games. These activities enhanced participants&#039; creativity while strengthening their teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural understanding<\/p>\n<h3>Sonu\u00e7lar<\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Project outcomes:<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The &quot;Less Plastic, More Health&quot; project achieved several concrete outcomes. Participants left with a significantly heightened awareness of plastic pollution, understanding its detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. They also acquired practical skills in waste management and sustainability practices, enhancing their capacity to advocate for environmental change. Many committed to integrating sustainable habits into their daily lives, promoting plastic-free alternatives within their communities.<br \/>\nThe project made a tangible impact on the local community through school visits and clean-up events, encouraging better waste management practices among residents. Intercultural collaboration fostered greater cultural awareness among participants, who learned about diverse approaches to environmental challenges. Partner organizations benefited by gaining insights into environmental education, which they plan to adopt in future programs.<br \/>\nSocial media amplified the project\u2019s message, as participants shared their experiences, inspiring broader action on environmental issues. The project\u2019s success has sparked enthusiasm among participants and partners to initiate similar sustainability projects, extending its impact even further.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Project impacts:<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The &quot;Less Plastic, More Health&quot; project had substantial and lasting impacts. Participants gained a deep understanding of environmental issues, particularly the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution. This new awareness inspired many to adopt sustainable practices and commit to environmental advocacy within their own communities.<br \/>\nThe project also strengthened the participating organizations, providing them with effective environmental education strategies to implement in future initiatives. The local community benefited directly from the project\u2019s activities, especially through the school outreach and clean-up events, which raised awareness about waste reduction and responsible plastic usage.<br \/>\nThe project\u2019s presence on social media allowed it to reach a wider audience, encouraging environmental consciousness beyond the immediate participants. This experience not only empowered the youth involved but also laid the groundwork for similar future initiatives, as participants and organizations expressed a strong interest in continuing their work in sustainability and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gen\u00e7lik de\u011fi\u015fimi \u00b7 Des Akcabelen Kultur und Unterst\u00fctzungsverein e.V (Almanya) koordinat\u00f6rl\u00fc\u011f\u00fcnde; GEZ\u0130DER ortak kurum olarak yer ald\u0131.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"gz_code":"2023-3-DE04-KA152-YOU-000172362","gz_role":"partner","gz_status":"completed","gz_action":"Gen\u00e7lik de\u011fi\u015fimi","gz_key_action":"KA1 KA152","gz_call_year":2023,"gz_start":"2024-01-01","gz_end":"2024-12-31","gz_coordinator":"Des Akcabelen Kultur und Unterst\u00fctzungsverein e.V (Almanya)","gz_countries":"Almanya, Macaristan, T\u00fcrkiye, Yunanistan, Bulgaristan, \u0130talya, Letonya","gz_topics":"Digital skills and competences, Environment and climate change, Green skills","gz_platform_url":"https:\/\/erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu\/projects\/search\/details\/2023-3-DE04-KA152-YOU-000172362","gz_good_practice":false,"gz_participants":0,"gz_photo_team":"Uluslararas\u0131 \u0130li\u015fkiler","gz_source":"legacy"},"gezider_partner":[156,336,361,337,259,346],"class_list":["post-3680","gezider_project","type-gezider_project","status-publish","hentry","gezider_partner-community-center-ahinora-2003","gezider_partner-des-akcabelen-kultur-und-unterstutzungsverein-e-v","gezider_partner-discovery-together","gezider_partner-fiatalok-egysegben-egyesulet","gezider_partner-solis-tuvak","gezider_partner-sports-and-cultural-lab"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gezider.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/gezider_project\/3680","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gezider.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/gezider_project"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gezider.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/gezider_project"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gezider.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"gezider_partner","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gezider.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/gezider_partner?post=3680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}