StartUpcycling

The project StartUpcycling responds to two major concerns not only present in many European countries but in countries all over the world: waste and youth unemployment. Its approach is to do research on upcycling measures in the world and give youth access to business opportunities in the field of waste reduction. The project is including a research phase, a training on waste reduction/management, an exchange about innovative measures of upcycling, a development of an eLearning course and a creation of a global network that can offer entrepreneurial support. StartUpcycling lays a special focus on learning from other countries about different waste challenges and on finding out how upcycling could offer a new solution to foster sustainable living and employment opportunities. The results of the global research exchange and the created network of entrepreneurial ideas will be meaningful for many countries in the world dealing with youth unemployment and waste. Therefore, the participants will produce an eBook with the most essential information about waste management and new upcycling ideas. The eBook as well as the newly developed homepage with educational input will be publicly accessible. Furthermore, the development of an eLearning course by the end of the project will enable people from all over the world to gain entrepreneurial skills for sustainable startups. In order to ensure a broad awareness on the topic, all partners will incorporate the methods and approaches derived from the best practice exchange and disseminate the results through their various channels. Furthermore, a social media campaign will raise awareness on new upcycling ideas as well as on business opportunities. Since the partner organizations work directly with disadvantaged youth, the project has high potential to reach many young people who can benefit from the new network and business opportunities. Partners are organizations committed to social impact and youth empowerment from seven different countries (BR, IN, ZA, PL, IT, EL, DE). From each partner, three youth workers and/or ecological educators will participate and get the chance to gain new intercultural competences. They will collaborate nationally in their teams, internationally in the online network and in three international meetings. The meetings are composed of networking opportunities, educational trainings, onsite visits, best practice exchange and the development of intellectual outputs. Throughout the project, the participants will elaborate a global network of upcycling experts and contacts for startup support. Measurable indicators will be:- web-based resource for youth workers- eBook- eLearning course- information material for stakeholders and press/media- social media campaign