As part of the European ToNoWaste project, the Municipality of Halandri recently completed a series of successful educational actions under the initiative “Saving Food in Schools,” with the enthusiastic involvement of 179 elementary school students. The program, aimed at raising awareness on food waste reduction, took place during the Creative Summer Activities Program in Halandri and showcased how youth engagement can drive positive environmental change.
Guided by Professor Gerasimos Lymberatos, municipal councilor for the circular economy and scientific advisor for the initiative, the ToNoWaste team collaborated with the municipality’s Education and Sanitation services to educate students aged 9-12 through an interactive, hands-on experience. The children learned practical ways to combat food waste, including the importance of proper food disposal into the brown bio-waste bin.
Results from the initiative highlight its impact: analysis of the brown bin’s contents showed that 44% of the food waste could have been prevented. Furthermore, a survey of parents and guardians revealed that 72% are now highly likely to begin separating their kitchen bio-waste for proper disposal following the awareness actions at their children’s schools.
In addition, the project included fun, educational treasure hunts for younger students, developed in collaboration with Foodbag, to emphasize the value of food as a resource that should be shared, not wasted. These activities underscore the core mission of the ToNoWaste project: to foster sustainable habits and reduce food waste across Europe, with Halandri leading by example.
This initiative serves as a testament to Halandri’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, further reinforcing the goals of the ToNoWaste project in creating a lasting impact on how communities manage and reduce food waste.