Green Generation
Project: Green Generation
Project was granted by: C.L.I.C. Harvest Lab project within Erasmus+
Project Dates: 15.02.2025 – 22.03.2025
Location: IZUM Centre of Education and Development (Voru 11, Tallinn, Estonia)
Green Generation project was implemented within the framework of CLIC (Coordinating Localy in order to Increase more Changes with the European Solidarity Corps) initiative.
CLIC is a cooperation partnership between 10 like-minded organisations, which all work with young people, and develop volunteering activities within the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), which is a public programme managed by the European Commission.
The idea of the initiative was to apply to Erasmus+ KA2 and get funding to allow ESC volunteers of partner organisations receive small grants for personal projects.
EstYES Association, being one of the 10 partner organisations, allowed our volunteers Emma Schweizer and Lelia Wiesner to create a personal project according to their interests. So, the Green Generation project was born.
Project aim
The aim of this project was to draw attention to our environment and sustainable lifestyle. Above all, the participants should learn how easy it can be to live sustainably and do more for our environment with little effort, focusing in particular on the topics of upcycling and recycling.

The participants, mainly youngsters from Tallinn, Estonia, had the chance to do many things themselves, to become active and above all creative, as most of the activities focused on the aspect of creativity in addition to sustainability. In the spirit of upcycling, they made things out of objects that would normally be thrown away, which fulfil a purpose again, they learned a lot about the environment, consumption and our throwaway culture, and how to easily recycle paper themselves at home. In a playful way and through interactive quizzes and station work, they learned about topics such as waste separation and sustainability in Estonia and had the opportunity to reflect on their own behaviour and look for ways to improve it. In the project, the aspect of creativity played an important and central role alongside the topic of sustainability and environmental protection, as the participants should learn to come up with their own creative solutions and take action. For this reason, each workshop included smaller or larger creative tasks or handicrafts, such as making a notebook from recycled paper.

Objectives of the project:

The young people should...

  • familiarise themselves with the topics of nature and the environment, acquire information on waste and materials such as plastic, paper, etc.
  • exchange ideas, not only on the topics of sustainability and consumption, but also network in this way
  • become active and creative and look for solutions in teamwork
  • reflect on their behaviour with regard to consumption and waste production and learn about simple solutions to reduce their impact on the environment
  • generally become more aware of this topic, get inspired and create interest in it
Project priorities:
  • Raising awareness around the topic of environment and sustainability
  • Encourage young people to think, exchange ideas, be active and creative
  • To learn about ideas and practices through communication and information, to do more for the environment in a simple and everyday way
Project Timetable
This project consisted of five interactive workshops aimed at promoting sustainability, creativity, and environmental responsibility among young people. The initiative was organized by Emma Schweizer and Lelia Wiesner, volunteers at the IZUM Youth Club, with the support of youth worker Gagik Grigoryan. The sessions focused on hands-on learning, reflection, and community engagement.

Workshop 1 – Introduction to Recycling & Upcycling
Date: 15.02.2025
We launched the project by introducing our goals and outlining the upcoming workshops. The session focused on the concepts of recycling and upcycling, encouraging participants to reflect on their ecological footprint and environmental behaviors.

Key activities included:

-A presentation on recycling, upcycling, and sustainability
-Group discussions about participants' current habits and environmental awareness
-Creative examples of upcycling (e.g., wallets from Tetra Pak, crafts from old denim)
-Poster creation to visualize their understanding
The workshop served as a foundation, helping participants to get to know each other, share ideas, and understand the project’s broader purpose.

Workshop 2 – Valentine’s with Recycled Art
Date: 02.03.2025
This workshop encouraged creativity using recycled materials to make Valentine’s Day-themed crafts, such as postcards, notebooks, and stickers. Participants also created personalized IZUM-themed items as a fun alternative.

We collaborated with TYPA Tartu, inviting a professional to explain the paper recycling process. The session emphasized resourcefulness—using what you already have to create something meaningful.

Highlights:
-DIY craft stations using old paper, magazines, cardboard, etc.
-Demonstration from TYPA on paper recycling
-Peer collaboration and idea exchange
-Participants brought materials from home, while the youth club provided basic supplies.

Workshop 3 – Plastic Upcycling
Date: 16.03.2025
We had a practical workshop on plastic waste. In preparation, we set up a plastic bottle cap collection point weeks in advance at the youth club.

Participants transformed collected plastic into earrings, bags, and bracelets, while learning about plastic waste and recycling processes.

Key outcomes:

-Hands-on experience with plastic upcycling
-Understanding the lifecycle and impact of plastic products
-Engagement with an expert organization in the field

Workshop 4 – Eco Hike and Nature Conservation
Date: 02.04.2025
This outdoor session combined environmental education with direct action. Guided by a nature conservation expert, we went on an eco-hike along a well-used local route.

Activities included:

-Litter collection and cleanup
-On-site learning about biodiversity, protected areas, and conservation practices
The aim was to help participants develop a deeper connection to their local environment and understand their role in protecting it.

Workshop 5 – Eco Fest & Reflection
Date: 16.04.2025
The final workshop served as both a celebration and a reflection. Participants contributed to a self-made eco brochure summarizing what they learned and created throughout the project. This brochure was distributed to all participants and placed in the youth club for others to use.

Activities included:

-Group discussions on personal takeaways and sustainable lifestyle changes
-Creation of a mini eco fair, showcasing past projects
-Feedback collection on the workshop series

This workshop reinforced the lessons learned, empowered participants to continue sustainable practices, and concluded the project on a positive, collaborative note.
FINAL PRODUCT
CONTACT
youthclub@izum.ee

MTÜ Noorteklubi Active / NGO Youth Club Active
Reg.nr: 80349001
Organisation ID: E10052686



Võru 11, Tallinn, Estonia
Index: 13612
Noorteklubi Active MTÜ
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