In the spirit of the annual World Recycling Day celebrated in November, young environmentalists from PADIUN orchestrated an engaging workshop titled “A Second Life for Old Things.” The primary objective of this hands-on workshop was to instill in the younger generation a deeper understanding of the significance of waste sorting and recycling for the well-being of our planet. The workshop started with an exciting quest for old items that held the potential for restoration. Participants brought forth a diverse array of items, ranging from old books and textiles to superfluous wooden elements. Each item carried its own unique story, enhancing the creative process and making the workshop all the more captivating.
In the theoretical part, Oksana Kremin, Head of the Ecology and Environmental Work Department at PADIUN and an expert with the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum (IRCEF), introduced the participants to the concept of recycling. The youngsters were prompted to recall commonly recycled materials, and with enthusiasm, they listed paper, glass, iron, aluminum, fabrics, plastics, and organic waste, recognizing their broad applications, especially in agriculture.
Participants shared occasions of how various forms of trash may be recycled for the benefit of society, drawing on personal experiences. Plastic bottles were reborn as vases, flowers, and amusing characters; shattered glass was reborn as stained glass; automobile tires were reborn as flower beds and garden figures; and aluminum cans were reborn as cell phone stands or writing tool holders. The list of inventive ideas was lengthy, emphasizing the realization that recycling such garbage adds to the development and safety of our lives. In the practical part, participants immersed themselves in making unique handicrafts, fashioning amusing octopus toys and feeders for feathered friends. The final workshop featured a presentation of the crafted works, showcasing the participants’ creativity and dedication to the environmental cause.
This event provided a unique opportunity for the participants to not only engage in a creative endeavor but also to actively contribute to a significant environmental movement — the restoration of old items and their transformation into new and useful creations. The overarching message resonated: don’t shy away from positive actions and let’s collectively commit to protecting and preserving our natural resources. Together, we can keep our earth in order and contribute to a sustainable future!
The event was held within the framework of cooperation between the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) headed by Olexander Bokotey) and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband, NABU International), project coordinators Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), and Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
Oksana Kremin,
Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection at PADIUN and IERS expert
