Sustainable Food, Recycling, and Environmental Responsibility in Action

Legacy of the Soil: Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food (Project No: 2024-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000260774) is an Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project coordinated by Generaciones Saludables España. The mobility took place in Gijón, Spain, from 28 April to 5 May 2025, bringing together participants from Turkey, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Iceland. Through non-formal education, the project aimed to strengthen youth workers' competencies in sustainable agriculture, safe food systems, environmental protection, and climate action while encouraging intercultural cooperation and the exchange of good practices among partner countries.

Participants explored the connection between nature, sustainability, and human responsibility through creative and experiential learning activities. A collaborative drawing exercise demonstrated the impact of environmental destruction by challenging groups to recreate a colorful landscape using only black crayons, encouraging reflection on biodiversity loss and the consequences of unsustainable human activities. This artistic approach transformed environmental awareness into a powerful visual experience while strengthening teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.

The project also promoted sustainable lifestyles through practical cycling activities and educational workshops focused on sustainable food systems. Participants learned how environmentally friendly transportation contributes to reducing carbon emissions while improving physical well-being. Interactive presentations and discussions introduced the principles of sustainable food production, responsible consumption, food security, and the global challenges created by population growth, climate change, and resource depletion. These activities encouraged participants to consider how everyday choices influence both environmental sustainability and public health.

A strong emphasis was placed on reducing food waste and understanding the environmental impact of food production and distribution. Through discussions, multimedia presentations, and an engaging food card game, participants examined product origins, transportation routes, packaging, recycling, and the ecological footprint of different foods. By combining gamification with practical learning, participants developed a deeper understanding of sustainable consumption, circular economy principles, and the importance of making informed decisions that support environmental protection and safe food systems.

Reflection, evaluation, and intercultural exchange completed the learning experience by encouraging participants to assess their personal development and share agricultural traditions, local food culture, environmental challenges, and cultural heritage from their respective countries. Collaborative evaluation methods strengthened analytical thinking and self-reflection, while cultural presentations fostered mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and international cooperation. As a result, participants enhanced their professional capacities as youth workers and gained practical knowledge they can apply in future initiatives promoting sustainability, food safety, and environmental responsibility within their communities.