Green Living and Eco-conscious Practices: A Holistic Approach

Course overview

This comprehensive 5-day course is designed to empower participants with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences necessary to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and promote eco-conscious practices. Through a holistic approach, participants will explore the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems, and gain a deep understanding of the importance of sustainability in addressing environmental challenges.

The course will delve into the concept of sustainability, examining global sustainability goals and initiatives, as well as strategies for sustainable consumption and waste reduction. Participants will learn to identify opportunities to minimize their environmental impact in daily life and understand the impact of individual choices on global sustainability.

Emphasis will be placed on sustainable fashion and conscious consumption, exploring the lifecycle of clothing, the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion, and ethical fashion practices. Participants will gain practical skills for adopting a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption and feel empowered to make conscious choices that support ethical and eco-friendly practices in their wardrobe.

The course will also cover sustainable food practices, introducing participants to the concept of sustainable food systems, the environmental impact of food production, distribution, and consumption, and the benefits of local, seasonal, and organic food. Participants will gain practical experience in selecting, preparing, and enjoying sustainable meals, while understanding the importance of reducing food waste and adopting mindful eating habits.

Additionally, participants will learn about sustainable jewelry making techniques and the concept of upcycling. Through a hands-on workshop, they will gain practical experience in crafting jewelry from recycled materials, promoting creativity and environmental stewardship while leaving with their own handmade pieces of eco-friendly jewelry.

To enhance the learning experience and provide cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided visit to a local museum, heritage site, or eco-conscious initiative, allowing participants to explore the cultural richness of the area and draw inspiration for integrating sustainable practices into their daily lives.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Foundations of sustainability and global goals

  • Icebreakers and networking activities
  • Introduction to the course and participants
  • Overview of the course methodology and expectations
  • Understanding the concept of sustainability and its significance in addressing environmental challenges
  • Exploring the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems
  • Discussing global sustainability goals and initiatives

Day 2: Sustainable consumption and waste reduction strategies

  • Exploring strategies for sustainable consumption and waste reduction
  • Identifying opportunities to minimize environmental impact in daily life
  • Discussing the impact of individual choices on global sustainability
  • Group activity: Identifying the environmental footprint of your organization

Day 3: Sustainable fashion and conscious consumption

  • Introduction to the concept of sustainable fashion and its importance in reducing environmental impact
  • Cultural visit: Social cooperative Humana Nova and learning about creating new products from discarded textile items
  • Exploration of the lifecycle of clothing, from production to disposal, and the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion
  • Discussion on ethical fashion practices, including fair labor, animal welfare, and eco-friendly materials
  • Showcase of innovative sustainable fashion brands and initiatives leading the way in ethical and eco-conscious design

Day 4: Sustainable food systems and mindful eating

  • Introduction to the concept of sustainable food systems
  • Exploring the environmental impact of food production, distribution, and consumption
  • Discussing the benefits of local, seasonal, and organic food
  • Understanding the importance of reducing food waste and adopting mindful eating habits
  • Practical activity: Exploring recipes for a healthy meal from locally bought products

Day 5: Upcycling and sustainable jewelry making

  • Introduction to sustainable jewelry making and the concept of upcycling
  • Exploration of different types of used materials suitable for jewelry crafting, such as paper, fabric scraps, and discarded metals
  • Discussion on the power of hands-on activities such as creating handicrafts in motivating participants with less opportunities
  • Hands-on workshop: Participants will create their own unique pieces of jewelry using a variety of recycled materials
  • Course evaluation and feedback
  • Certification ceremony.

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

  • Analyze the concept of sustainability and its significance in addressing environmental challenges.
  • Evaluate the interconnectedness of ecological, social, and economic systems in the context of sustainability.
  • Discuss global sustainability goals and initiatives, and their relevance to individual and community actions.
  • Identify strategies for sustainable consumption and waste reduction in daily life.
  • Assess the impact of individual choices on global sustainability and develop eco-conscious habits.
  • Examine the lifecycle of clothing, from production to disposal, and the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion.
  • Evaluate ethical fashion practices, including fair labor, animal welfare, and eco-friendly materials.
  • Adopt a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption and make conscious choices that support ethical and eco-friendly practices.
  • Analyze the concept of sustainable food systems and the environmental impact of food production, distribution, and consumption.
  • Recognize the benefits of local, seasonal, and organic food, and the importance of reducing food waste and adopting mindful eating habits.
  • Prepare healthy and sustainable meals using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Explain the concept of upcycling and its relevance to sustainable jewelry making.
  • Create unique pieces of jewelry using a variety of recycled materials through hands-on workshops.
  • Integrate cultural elements and inspiration from local heritage into sustainable living practices.
  • Develop a comprehensive action plan for adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and promoting eco-conscious practices in their personal and professional lives.

Course fee:

  • 400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

  • At least 25 hours of course content;
  • Course materials;
  • Certificate of participation;
  • Europass, on request;
  • Learning / Mobility Agreement;
  • Visits to local institutions, if available;
  • Personalized support;
  • Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
  • Refreshments;
  • Administration costs;
  • Dissemination materials.
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