The From Waste to Worth project is driven by the urgent need to address critical environmental, social, and economic challenges. Climate change, largely fueled by unsustainable production and consumption, demands solutions that emphasize resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Circular economy practices offer a viable path to reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, as noted in the sixth IPCC report. Given that 70% of emissions stem from the production and use of goods, this project seeks to promote circular economy principles as a way to mitigate climate change and foster a more sustainable future.

Empowering young people is central to this initiative. Youth are increasingly aware of environmental issues and eager to take action, yet they often lack the practical tools and knowledge to implement change effectively. The project aims to fill this gap by providing targeted training and resources, enabling young people to engage in circular economy activities and develop the skills needed to lead sustainable initiatives. In doing so, it fosters their role as key agents of change within their communities.

Another key driving force behind the project is the desire to foster social inclusion, particularly in the context of migration. Climate change and environmental degradation have contributed to forced migration, placing additional strain on both people and ecosystems. The project explores the intersection between migration and circular economy solutions, offering ways to reduce the environmental impact of displacement while promoting inclusive practices. By engaging marginalized groups, such as migrants and those with fewer opportunities, the initiative strives to create a more equitable society.

Lastly, the project thrives on cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing. Partner organizations from different countries bring diverse experiences and innovative approaches to addressing environmental challenges, strengthening the collective impact. This transnational cooperation also reinforces a sense of European solidarity in tackling global sustainability issues​​.

From Waste to Worth project has three main objectives implemented through specific activities, such as training course, study visits and advocacy campaigns in several European countries​​​:

To connect NGOs and young people with the principles of the circular economy: This involves raising awareness and understanding of how circular economy practices can create more sustainable and resource-efficient communities. The project aims to provide both NGOs and youth with the necessary knowledge to adopt these practices.

To engage NGOs and young people in circular economy-related activities: The project plans to involve participants in hands-on experiences, such as participatory visits, workshops, and the development of an interactive educational framework. These activities will help participants apply circular economy principles in real-life settings and within their communities.

To empower youth to implement circular economy practices: By equipping young people with practical tools and resources, the project seeks to foster a new generation of leaders who can drive sustainability initiatives. The empowerment of youth through training and mentorship is key to ensuring the long-term adoption and success of circular economy practices​.

The activities of the From Waste to Worth project are structured into four main phases, each with specific objectives that contribute to the development and implementation of a circular economy framework targeting youth and youth workers.

1. Learning Phase. This phase focuses on the exchange of knowledge, tools, and methodologies among the project partners, with the aim of building a solid foundation for the framework.

• A participatory visit in North Macedonia is organised to share expertise on circular economy initiatives, NGO engagement, and effective collaboration and partnerships. The visit provides practical insights and good practices from the local context.
• A second participatory visit takes place in Greece, where the focus shifts to circular economy in relation to migration, youth entrepreneurship, and digital innovations. This exchange explores the intersections between sustainability and social inclusion.
• An online workshop is conducted by the Spanish partner to present educational approaches for youth, assessment tools, and communication strategies that support circular economy practices. This session ensures that all partners have a shared understanding of the pedagogical and technical aspects of the project.

2. Creation of the Interactive Book Phase.This phase is dedicated to transforming the knowledge and tools gathered into a practical, engaging resource.

• An interactive book is developed, compiling the framework’s tools, methods, and examples of good practices. It serves as a central output of the project, aimed at empowering NGOs and youth to adopt circular economy practices.
• A course is held in Spain to pilot the interactive book with youth and youth workers. Participants test the framework, provide feedback, and co-develop recommendations to improve its usability and relevance.
• A community space, known as the FWW Community, is established to foster exchange and collaboration. It acts as a living platform where members can continue to share insights, experiences, and updates on circular economy projects and initiatives.

3. Dissemination Campaign Phase. The goal of this phase is to raise awareness, promote the project’s outcomes, and encourage the long-term use of the framework across different contexts.

• Conferences are organised in each of the three partner countries to present the project results and distribute the interactive book. These events target a broad audience including NGOs, youth organisations, institutions, and community members.
• Internal workshops are conducted by participants of the course to disseminate the framework within their own communities and organisations. These workshops ensure a multiplier effect and local adaptation of the project’s results.
• A consultation period is launched to collect structured feedback from users of the framework. This allows for further refinement and ensures that the tool remains practical and user-focused.

Additional dissemination activities include video testimonials, success stories, and online promotion. These tools help spread the message and increase the visibility of the project at national and European levels.

4. Project Management. Project management includes a series of key transnational meetings that ensure effective coordination among partners, joint decision-making, and ongoing monitoring of planned activities. These meetings are essential to keep the project on track and to address any challenges collaboratively.

• The kick-off meeting is held in North Macedonia and marks the official launch of the project. During this meeting, the core organisational aspects are agreed upon, roles and responsibilities are defined, and the activity timeline is reviewed.
• The intermediate meeting takes place in Greece and focuses on evaluating the progress made so far. It includes an assessment of the learning phase and the development of the interactive book, with adjustments made to future actions if necessary.
• The final meeting is held in Spain and serves to review the overall achievements of the project, exchange lessons learned among partners, and plan the sustainability of the developed framework. It is also an opportunity to discuss how to keep the FWW community active and extend the project’s impact beyond its official duration.

These meetings are accompanied by continuous coordination tasks, participant selection, logistical and pedagogical preparation, mentoring, and internal evaluation, all led by the host organisation of each phase.

The From Waste to Worth project aims to achieve several key results:

1. Creation of the FWW Framework: This interactive book will provide tools, methodologies, and best practices for implementing circular economy principles. It is designed to raise awareness, educate, and inspire young people and NGOs to adopt sustainable practices.
2. Empowerment of youth as change agents: Through training and participatory activities, young people will gain the skills and confidence to lead circular economy initiatives in their communities, fostering environmental and social change.
3. Strengthened collaboration between NGOs and youth: The project will create a platform for ongoing knowledge exchange and cooperation between NGOs and young people, encouraging the development of sustainable and inclusive solutions.
4. Increased resource efficiency: By promoting circular economy practices, the project aims to reduce waste, optimize the use of resources, and contribute to a more sustainable approach to consumption and production.

Broader dissemination and awareness: The dissemination campaign, including conferences, workshops, and a dedicated online community, will ensure that the results and tools developed through the project reach a wide audience, inspiring further adoption of circular economy practices across Europe​​.