Using the knowledge they gained during the training in Salacgrīva, and the information in the newly published guidelines “Organizing Climate-Friendly Events”, youths in Latvia, Denmark and Belarus were invited to organize a local event that either:
- presented the principles and importance of green event organization; or
- used the principles from the guidelines to make an event more sustainable.
The following local youth events were organizing within the framework of “Decarbonize our Future!”:
Climate Change – how to talk about it and how to interest youths?
Wednesday 16 March 2016 @ The Green Floor
Regular homo ecos: volunteers were invited to a meeting where they could socialize with other volunteers, exchange ideas, and learn about sustainability and environmental education. Latvian journalist Sandra Kropa gave a presentation about climate change, and the way the media and NGO’s communicate about this difficult topics.
As much as possible, the snacks and drinks provided during the meeting were local, seasonal and vegetarian – such as herbal tea, fruits and pastries. The powerpoint presentation was sent to the participants afterwards, so they didn’t have to take notes or use print-outs.
Spring Kayaking
Night of 25-26 March 2016 @ Riga’s waterways
This event, organized by Movement Spontaneous, offered over 50 students/youths the possibility to participate in activities outdoors and to see Rīga from different point of view, by taking them on a night-time kayaking adventure.
The trip started in Agenosta port, following the Zundas kanāls, then over the Daugava to Andrejosta. In between few stops were made to catch-up, chat and take photos. Then the most interesting part – the travel through Old town, then Central station channel and then we were back in the Daugava. Almost 20 km and we reached our camping destination at Katlakalns. Made our own bonfire to warm us up, had some snacks and gifted all of the participants with wooden badges specially made for this event. In the morning around 6AM the trip was continued by different route back to the Ķīpsala. Overall, 33km km were done by most of the participants.
The event was essentially low-impact, because the participants traveled by kayaks, using only their own bodies as power source. Throughout the event, attention was paid to appreciation of nature, and leaving no trace. Finally, the participants competed for badges made from natural materials (wood) and engraved without using any chemicals or hazardous materials.
Photos: Movement Spontaneous
Farm to Plate
Wednesday 6 April 2016 @ Academic Center for Natural Sciences
“Farm to plate” is student initiative to implement direct buying in the faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences in order to support local and organic production. During this event, a short introduction was given to the concept of direct buying from local farmers, and how it has been introduced in Latvia and France.
This event was sustainable, because it took place in a building that has been built in most environmentally friendly way possible (includes waste separation, energy efficiency and so on), is accessible for people with disabilities, by bike and there is public transport near by. The event used as little paper as possible. All the information to participants was sent via email or posted in Facebook. Food was bought in local organic shop and other food choices were made with the rule that is had to be produced in Latvia. For dishes and drinks we got support from university’s café, so that means no plastic. Food was made at home, which decreased the costs and energy needed. Food wasn’t wasted, because leftovers were divided between participants.
Photos: Alise Kokare
Upcycled Stage
Wednesday 20 April 2016 @ Riga Music Boarding School
In the days leading up the the national Liela Talka (Big Clean-Up), homo ecos: in collaboration with Rigas Music Boarding School and Krišjānis Lange built a stage entirely from used materials (such as old tires, pallets). The action was meant to demonstrate that waste is not just garbage, but that it can be a resource for recycling or UPcycling (creative re-use of waste materials, increasing their value).
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