New Habits, New Earth - that is, I live in the spirit of less waste

<< Background >>We applied for the New Habits, New Earth project to strengthen our organizations’ efforts in promoting ecological awareness and sustainable habits among students and staff. Firstly, we saw the need to enhance ecological awareness and promote sustainable habits among students, teachers, and local communities. We wanted to encourage the use of sustainable transport, reusable packaging, and local eco-initiatives. Secondly, we identified the need to improve green, digital, and language skills, especially among students aged 15–19, including those from less privileged backgrounds. These students needed more opportunities to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and to engage in international cooperation. Additionally, teachers and staff needed support in creating innovative educational materials and becoming more confident in addressing global challenges such as climate change. We also aimed to strengthen our organizations’ capacity through international cooperation, and improve our management and communication skills.Lastly, we wanted to involve parents and local communities more actively, raising awareness that everyone can contribute to protecting the environment—even through small, everyday actions.<< Objectives >>By implementing the project, we aimed to enhance the green skills of our students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, through activities like debates, DIY projects, workshops, and science trips. We wanted students to improve their eco-friendly habits and express satisfaction with their participation.The project also focused on improving students’ English language skills, knowledge about climate change, teamwork, and critical thinking through transnational meetings. We planned for students to gain valuable experience and report improvements in these areas. We aimed to increase the motivation of students to engage in local environmental care through initiatives such as cleaning campaigns and greening projects. We ensured inclusivity by providing support for students with fewer opportunities through language assistance and tailored activities.We also wanted to provide an opportunity for teachers and staff to collaborate internationally, exchange best practices, and develop materials on climate change and sustainability. Through this cooperation, we wanted to strengthened our capacity for addressing global challenges, while promoting European values such as solidarity, sustainability, and active citizenship.<< Implementation >>The project was divided into main six complementary activities:1. Hi You, Hi Earth! In this phase, students created eco-displays, participated in a logo contest, and shared presentations about their cultures to raise awareness about ecology and foster intercultural understanding.2. Transnational Meeting in the Republic of North Macedonia. This meeting brought together students and teachers from partner schools to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other about eco-friendly practices3. Going Green! This phase involved eco-education through lessons, upcycling workshops, and nature walks to raise environmental awareness.4. Transnational Meeting in Italy. Teachers and students met to continue discussions on sustainability and collaborate on eco-activities.5. Eco Journey Continues! Students participated in School Eco Fairs, presenting sustainability projects. A digital publication, New Habits, New Earth, was created to share project outcomes and inspire others.6.Transnational Meeting in Poland. This final meeting allowed for continued collaboration between partners through workshops and discussions. It also aimed to evaluate project activities and discuss future sustainability initiatives.<< Results >>The project New Habits, New Earth delivered both tangible outputs and lasting intangible results:1. Our main tangible outputs:-“New Habits, New Earth” e-book – a comprehensive publication with best practices and project insights.-Eco English app and “Lessons for a Greener Future” e-book – supporting eco-themed language learning.-Student-made materials – including eco-presentations, videos, posters, and upcycled products like reusable bags.-Eco-events and campaigns – clean-up actions, tree planting, Earth Day celebrations, and workshops across all partners.-Documented mobilities – international meetings confirmed by agendas and Europass Mobility Certificates.2: Our main intangible results:-Target groups became more environmentally conscious and began making more eco friendly everyday choices (e.g., use reusable items, low-emission transport)-Project participants enhanced their skills in language, digital tools, teamwork, and cross-cultural interaction.-Enhanced institutional cooperation and long-term partnerships among schools and the NGO partner.-Promotion of European values and student agency through cross-border peer learning.These results ensure the project's long-term impact and usability.