In June 2024, the Lithuanian Ecommunity Activator of the Responsive Youth for Climate Action (RYCA) project led a two-part initiative focused on plastic pollution, blending theory, discussion, and hands-on environmental action.

These events engaged a local group of motivated students who came together to explore both the global consequences and local realities of plastic waste—culminating in a forest clean-up that brought their insights to life.

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🧠 June 20: Understanding the Problem

The first session, held on June 20, featured a free-form theoretical discussion on the issue of plastic pollution. Participants examined the topic from multiple angles:

• The global plastic crisis, with a focus on ocean ecosystems
• The specific impact of microplastics on biodiversity and human health
• How plastic waste affects Lithuania’s natural environments

The discussion allowed for personal reflection and collective learning, emphasizing how everyday consumer choices and systemic inaction contribute to an urgent ecological issue.

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🌲 June 26: Clean-Up and Creative Reflection

One week later, on June 26, the same group came together for a forest clean-up activity. They collected plastic waste from a nearby natural area—an act that turned theory into practice.

To close the day, participants used the collected waste to create symbolic artworks, highlighting the irony and tragedy of plastic in nature. These artistic expressions served not just as a creative outlet, but as visual advocacy, raising awareness of how deeply plastic pollution has embedded itself into our landscapes.

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💬 Youth Voices, Real Impact

This initiative demonstrated that climate education is most powerful when it connects knowledge with action. The RYCA Ecommunity Activators are building a generation of youth who not only understand the issues—they’re actively responding to them.

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📢 Follow @rycaproject and visit rycaproject.eu to stay informed about youth-led environmental actions across Europe.