Youth Exchange “ECOconsumption”, Nis, Serbia

In Niš, from 18th to 26th of April came about the Erasmus+ youth exchange ECOconsumption, hosted by the non-governmental organization AzBuki.

Thus, participants from six different countries (Turkey, Romania, Albania, Macedonia, Italy, and Serbia) had the unique opportunity to come together and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the topics of ecology and environmental preservation. Additionally, they explored the detrimental effects of consumerism. This enlightening project, aptly named “ECOconsumption,” delved into the root causes of environmental pollution, the environmental impact of fashion, excessive and unnecessary consumption, micro-trends, and the marketing tactics employed by companies to drive demand and sales, often at the expense of the environment.

Not only did the participants share valuable insights, but they also offered practical advice and discovered effective strategies to raise awareness about consumerism and influence consumer behavior. As a culmination of their efforts, they created a captivating podcast. This audio/video masterpiece, meticulously crafted, recorded, and edited by the participants themselves under the guidance of AzBuki mentors, will be broadcasted on the association’s YouTube channel.

To enrich their understanding of environmental issues, the participants had the opportunity to visit relevant institutions during the exchange. Notably, they explored the operations of JKP Medijana, where they learned about waste collection, sorting, transportation, and recycling. They also visited E-reciiklaža, a pioneering company dedicated to collecting and treating over 15,000 tons of electronic and electrical waste annually.

As the exchange drew to a close, the participants collaborated with students from the Special School Bubanj to showcase their creativity through the creation of eye-catching exhibition pieces using recycled materials such as bottles, caps, straws, jars, and paper. In line with the project’s objective to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, the participants planted a symbolic tree. This living testament serves as a lasting reminder of their collective effort and the crucial role each individual plays in preserving our precious natural resources.