For a cleaner environment with “Lunch in a Box” and three other initiatives
This article is created for the project “Efivos in Europe”
Authors: Mihaela Traikova and Vaska Dimitrova
Air pollution and noise pollution, the consequences of climate change such as warm winters, heatwaves, and exposure to hazardous chemicals, are among the main factors contributing to the deteriorating health in Europe. According to the report by the European Environment Agency “Healthy Environment, Healthy Lives: How the Environment Influences Health and Well-being in Europe,” illness in European countries is significantly attributed to environmental pollution resulting from human activity. Furthermore, scientific evidence shows that environmental risks are a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Europe.
There are many more facts that prove the claim that protecting the environment is actually protecting our health. We chose to take our small step to change the world around us.
Starting in April 2024, as volunteers at the “Health and Social Development” Foundation, we have launched a program focused on ecology and environmental conservation in the “Filipovtsi” neighborhood of the capital.
Engaged in this activity will be young people from the local Roma community aged between 12 and 18 years old. Highly enthusiastic about the idea of making the neighborhood a cleaner and more beautiful place, we are gathering like-minded individuals for four initiatives:
1st of April – Cleanup of the neighborhood
Yes, it’s not particularly pleasant to dig through the trash, but it’s worth it, and there will be plenty of gloves, masks, bags, and containers. Hopefully, we will set a good example, and one day initiatives like this won’t be necessary.
10th of April – Plant a tree
We will plant 10 fruit trees on the main street of the neighborhood. Materials and gardening tools will be provided.
15th of April – Lunch in a box
At the MIR-Filipovtsi Center of the foundation, we will showcase ideas on how to prepare packed lunches with the aim of generating less waste.
20th of April – Second life for our clothes
Volunteers will be distributing second-hand clothes in front of the health center building. Everyone willing to donate is welcome!
These initiatives are our way of changing the place we live in and setting a good example because the health of everyone depends on the environment.
The article was created as part of the CERV Efivos project in Europe. EFIVOS II program is funded by the European Commission (CERV), with partners Network Children’s Rights (Greece), CIP (Cyprus), HESED (Bulgaria), GEYC (Romania), Dedalus (Italy), Pacto Verde (Spain), Crossing Borders (Denmark).The support of the European Commission for the preparation of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the content. The publication reflects only the views of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained therein.
