Green Challenge

Ateliere Fara Frontiere

Think Human Fund

Mission & History

Asociația Ateliere Fără Frontiere (AFF), a Romanian non-profit organization founded in 2008, is dedicated to the social, professional, and civic integration of vulnerable, excluded, and marginalized individuals. Upon joining AFF, these individuals transition from being passive recipients of social aid to becoming independent and dignified members of society. AFF empowers them to transform from marginalized individuals into active citizens, contributing positively to their communities.

Country Information

Romania faces significant environmental challenges, particularly with e-waste management and children’s environmental education. Despite EU regulations, only 30% of e-waste is properly recycled, with 70% improperly discarded or handled informally due to poor infrastructure and low public awareness.

In 2012, Romania collected just 1.2 kg of e-waste per capita, far below the 4 kg target, and by 2015, despite generating 7.3 kg per capita, the collection target remained at 6.2 kg.

Environmental education is also insufficient. The 2018 PISA assessment found over 80% of students value environmental protection, but nearly 60% feel powerless to address climate change, compared to 40% in the OECD. Save the Children Romania reported that while 78% of children want to reduce environmental damage, most feel poorly informed by their schools.

Although there are green education initiatives, more curriculum integration is needed. With only 11.3% of municipal waste recycled versus the EU average of 49.6%, Romania must address these issues to promote sustainability and empower youth for environmental change.

The Need

The Green Challenge initiative addresses two main issues: low environmental awareness and poor waste management among Romanian students. It aims to boost understanding of the circular economy, waste disposal, and recycling in Bucharest and Ilfov. Currently, only 1% of Romanians donate for reuse, and 8.4% know proper waste disposal. In Bucharest, just 10% of waste is recycled, and only 30% of students get recycling education.

The 2018 PISA assessment reveals that over 80% of Romanian students value environmental protection, but nearly 60% feel powerless against climate change, compared to 40% in the OECD. Save the Children Romania found that while 78% of Romanian children want to reduce environmental damage, they lack sufficient school information.

Despite low waste generation, Romania’s recycling rates lag behind the European average.

The Project We Fund

The Green Challenge addresses e-waste by engaging schools in a competition to collect Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). With support from Ateliere Fără Frontiere (AFF), schools organize the challenge, receiving educational materials and logistical help. Incentives like trips to bio&co farm encourage participation and promote environmental stewardship.

AFF will refurbish and donate the collected IT equipment, reducing e-waste. Community givers will assist in engaging schools, supported by AFF training. The initiative aims to foster circular economy principles and sustainable practices, empowering communities and future generations to drive positive environmental change.

The Result

Impact will be tracked through:

– Quantitative Metrics:
– Number of participating schools and students.
– Amount of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collected.
– Kilograms of WEEE collected and CO2 emissions avoided through reuse and recycling.

– Qualitative Metrics:
– Feedback from schools, students, and volunteers.
– Increased awareness and knowledge of waste management and circular economy principles.
– Enhanced environmental consciousness and responsibility among participants.
– Empowerment of future generations in sustainable practices.
– Case studies and success stories showcasing the project’s impact on schools, communities, and the environment.

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