EcoHeroes: Join the Plastic-Free Revolution (Project No. 2025-1-IT02-KA210-ADU-000349513) is an Erasmus+ Small-scale Partnership in Adult Education (KA210-ADU), coordinated by FICUS ETS and co-funded by the European Union.
The project brings together participants from Italy, Bulgaria and Malta in an innovative journey that combines environmental education, gamification and active participation to promote the reduction of plastic consumption and microplastic pollution in everyday life. Through a series of practical challenges, EcoHeroes encourages participants to transform environmental awareness into concrete actions and become agents of change within their communities.
Over the past weeks, Italian participants have successfully completed the first two EcoMissions, taking part in activities designed to increase awareness of the environmental impact of daily habits and consumption patterns.
Mission 1 – The Plastic Diary
The first challenge, “The Plastic Diary”, invited participants to observe and document all the plastic they used over a 24-hour period.
Through photos and personal reflections, EcoHeroes discovered how deeply plastic is embedded in everyday life, from food packaging and water bottles to personal care products and many other commonly used items.
The submissions highlighted a growing awareness of the amount of plastic generated on a daily basis and encouraged participants to reflect on more sustainable alternatives that could be adopted in their routines.
Many participants reported that they had never fully realised how much plastic they used until they completed the challenge, demonstrating the value of observation as a first step toward behavioural change.
Mission 2 – The Label Hunt
The second EcoMission, “The Label Hunt”, focused on personal care and cosmetic products.
Using dedicated digital tools and ingredient-checking applications, participants analysed shampoos, soaps, creams, toothpaste and other household products to identify potentially harmful substances and ingredients that may contribute to environmental pollution.
The reflections collected revealed that labels can often be misleading. Terms such as “natural”, “green” or “vegan” do not always guarantee environmental sustainability, highlighting the importance of making informed purchasing decisions based on evidence rather than marketing claims.
Several participants, particularly parents, emphasised how the activity encouraged them to pay closer attention to the products used by their families and children. Others highlighted the usefulness of digital tools in helping consumers better understand product ingredients and make more responsible choices.
Building Sustainable Habits Through Action
The results of the first two EcoMissions demonstrate how practical, engaging and accessible activities can encourage meaningful behavioural change. By combining learning, reflection and action, EcoHeroes supports participants in developing more sustainable habits while fostering a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.
The journey is far from over. In the coming weeks, participants will continue their EcoHeroes adventure through new challenges focused on reducing single-use plastics, promoting responsible consumption and exploring sustainable alternatives in everyday life.
Through each mission completed, participants earn points, unlock achievements and contribute to a growing European community committed to protecting the environment and creating a more sustainable future.
Small actions can lead to big changes. With EcoHeroes, the plastic-free revolution has already begun.
