Small Actions, Big Impact: Reflections from the Training Course
By Mihailo
1. What’s one sustainable habit you’ve adopted or plan to adopt as a result of this training course?
One of the main habits I want to embrace after this training is minimalism – reducing the amount of unnecessary things I own and focusing only on what truly matters. This means donating clothes I no longer use, cutting down on non-essential cleaning products that only create more waste, and avoiding the constant cycle of buying “just in case” items. By simplifying my lifestyle, I hope to reduce my personal environmental footprint and live in a way that feels both lighter and more sustainable.
2. Can you describe a moment or activity during the training that shifted the way you think about environmental sustainability?
A powerful realization came when we learned about the decomposition times of common products. Discovering that so many items we use daily – from plastic bottles to packaging – can take hundreds of years to decompose was shocking. What struck me even more was the fact that humanity produces these items faster than we recycle or properly dispose of them. This means that, unless we change our habits, we are on track to overwhelm the planet with waste, potentially causing irreversible damage. That awareness has stayed with me as one of the biggest lessons of the course.
3. How do you plan to integrate green thinking into your work with young people or your community?
I live in a community with many young people, and I see this as a great opportunity to spread the message of sustainability. My plan is to encourage the installation of more recycling bins in our buildings, making recycling an easy and accessible daily habit. I also want to collaborate with local schools to organize workshops and training sessions where young people can learn about recycling, sustainability, and the importance of protecting our planet. Even small steps, like putting up flyers that say “Recycle”, can have a ripple effect – when people see their neighbors recycling, they are more likely to start doing it too.
4. What digital or educational tools from the course do you see yourself using most, and why?
The tool I see myself using most is Canva, because of its potential to create engaging and visually appealing materials. With Canva, I can design presentations, posters, and even short educational videos on sustainability. These resources can help capture the attention of young people and make environmental topics more accessible, creative, and inspiring.
5. If you could describe the training experience in one sentence, what would it be?
The training was a strong reminder that real change begins with us, and that even the smallest actions – when multiplied – can shape the future of our planet.
