European Week for Waste Reduction – 5-day school program
Theme:
“Think Green – Act Smart!”
Day 1 – Introduction to waste
Objective: To understand what waste is, where it comes from and why it is a problem.
Activities:
Interactive presentation or discussion: “What happens to waste after we throw it away?”
Brainstorming (on a poster or digitally): How can we produce less waste?
Drawing or poster creation: “My Waste-Free Day”.
Waste-Free Snack and Lunch Day.
Additional activity:
Make a “Waste Diary” – have the children keep a record of how much waste they throw away at home throughout the week and what could be reduced.
Day 2 – Recycling and sorting
Objective: To learn about proper waste collection and the basics of recycling.
Activities:
Selective collection game:
In the classroom, various “waste” (paper, plastic, metal, glass, organic) must be put in the appropriate box.
Creative recycling:
Make a new object from waste (e.g. a pencil holder from a PET bottle, a bird feeder from a milk carton).
Mini quiz: Which waste goes where?
Day 3 – Reuse day
Objective: To understand that not everything that should be thrown away is garbage.
Activities:
“Exchange day” at school:
Children can bring toys and books in good condition that they no longer use and exchange them with others.
Textile reuse:
Make a shopping bag or gym bag from an old T-shirt.
Discussion: Why is it better to reuse than to buy new?

Day 4 – Composting and nature conservation
Objective: To learn about the utilization of organic waste and the cycle of nature.
Activities:
Demonstration or experiment: How does composting work? (You can make a mini-compost in a jar.)
Garden or yard cleanup: Collect trash around the school.
Eco-friendly challenge: Don’t use single-use plastic for a day!
Day 5 – Closing day and exhibition
Objective: To summarize and celebrate what you have learned.
Activities:
Exhibition or demonstration:
Showcase posters, crafts, and waste diaries made during the week.
Presentation or small show:
A short presentation, poem, song, or scene by each class about waste reduction.
Certificate or “Green Hero” award:
Reward all participants or the most active student.
Additional ideas:
“Waste-free snack day” – use only refillable water bottles and cans.
“Green challenge wall” – give the children a new tip every day.
Partner involvement: local waste management company, civil organization, municipality