Plastic and microplastic pollution has become one of the most urgent environmental challenges worldwide. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste are produced, a significant portion of which ends up in natural ecosystems, particularly in oceans and coastal areas. Over time, this plastic degrades into microplastics, which are now found not only in water and soil, but also in the food chain, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
Despite growing awareness, a substantial gap still exists between knowledge and action. While many people recognise the importance of reducing plastic consumption, only a limited percentage actively adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. This gap is particularly evident among adults, who often face structural barriers such as habits, lack of accessible alternatives, or limited practical knowledge.
In response to this challenge, the project EcoHeroes – Join the Plastic-Free Revolution! (Project n. 2025-1-IT02-KA210-ADU-000349513) has been developed within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme (KA210-ADU) and funded by the Italian National Agency INDIRE. The project is coordinated by FICUS ETS, in partnership with organisations from Bulgaria and Malta, and will run for a duration of 24 months.
A practical and participatory approach to sustainability
EcoHeroes is designed to move beyond awareness-raising and focus on behavioural change. The project adopts a practical, collaborative, and digitally supported approach to engage adults aged 30–40, a target group that plays a key role within communities and has the potential to influence both social and consumption patterns.
The initiative combines non-formal education methodologies with hands-on experiences, aiming to provide participants with concrete tools to reduce plastic use and adopt more sustainable lifestyles. At the same time, it fosters the development of both green and digital skills, in line with European priorities related to the green transition and lifelong learning.
A central element of the project is the creation of an international learning environment, where participants from different countries can share experiences, compare practices, and contribute to a collective reflection on sustainability challenges.
From eco-missions to community action
The structure of EcoHeroes is built around a set of interconnected activities that progressively guide participants from individual awareness to collective action.
One of the core components of the project is the implementation of eco-missions, developed through a gamification approach. Participants will be invited to complete practical challenges aimed at reducing plastic consumption, such as adopting reusable alternatives, changing daily habits, or promoting sustainable practices within their communities. The use of gamification is intended to increase engagement and motivation, transforming behavioural change into an interactive and rewarding process.
These activities will be supported by the development of two key outputs. On one side, a set of guidelines addressed to participants will provide clear instructions on how to engage in eco-missions and track their progress. On the other, a methodological toolkit will be developed for organisations, educators, and practitioners, offering a structured framework on how to design and implement gamified sustainability activities in different contexts. This dual approach ensures both immediate impact on participants and long-term transferability of the methodology.
Experimentation, creativity and local impact
Alongside eco-missions, the project includes a series of hands-on workshops focused on biohacking and alternative materials, where participants will experiment with biodegradable solutions and sustainable products. These activities aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing participants to directly engage with innovative solutions to plastic pollution.
The project will also implement clean-up actions at local level, encouraging participants to actively contribute to improving their communities. These initiatives will be documented and shared through digital platforms, reinforcing the connection between local action and global awareness.
Creative processes will be further explored through eco-design laboratories, where participants will be invited to develop new products using recycled materials. This dimension of the project highlights the role of creativity and design in addressing environmental challenges.
Digital engagement and storytelling
Digital tools play a key role in EcoHeroes. Social media platforms will be used not only for dissemination, but also as active participation tools. Participants will be encouraged to document their eco-missions, share their progress, and interact with others, contributing to the creation of a dynamic and engaged digital community.
In addition, the project will produce a participatory documentary, collecting stories, experiences, and reflections from participants across the three countries. This output will serve both as a dissemination tool and as a narrative of the project’s impact.
Towards a sustainable behavioural change
EcoHeroes aims to generate a long-term impact by supporting a shift in behaviours and attitudes towards plastic consumption. By combining practical tools, community-based actions, and transnational cooperation, the project contributes to building a culture of sustainability rooted in everyday practices.
At the same time, the development of transferable resources, such as guidelines and toolkits, ensures that the project’s methodology can be replicated by other organisations, amplifying its impact beyond the project’s duration.
Ultimately, EcoHeroes positions adults not only as learners, but as active agents of change, capable of influencing their communities and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Stay tuned for more info in the upcoming months!!
