The Ecotic Caravan - WEEE collection and awareness campaigns
The educational project Ecotic Caravan, co-financed by LIFE+ between 2014 and 2016, aimed to raise awareness on environmental protection and sustainable development, focusing on efficient management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The project aimed to reach both the general public and school children aged 6-14.
The key element of the project was a caravan, in itself a WEEE mobile exhibition, showcasing 10 dismantled pieces of equipment: a cathode-ray-tube monitor, fridge, washing machine, fixed-line phone, mobile phone, laptop, desktop PC, toy, and an iron. The message of the importance of WEEE recycling was clearly communicated, facilitating discussions and practical workshops.
The caravan travelled across Romania and was parked in the main squares so that the general public could easily interact. Workshops with school children were also organized.
Recently, the same message was communicated to a wider audience by stationing the caravan in retail networks with the help of Ecotic's partners (Dedeman, Metro and Romstal). The caravan was also situated in several Sigurec locations and in many of Bucharest’s parks.
- Over 20,000 persons have visited the caravan as a result of the campaigns held in public squares in many towns.
- At the same time, over 50,000 pupils in 104 schools have better understood the reasons why WEEE and battery waste need to be correctly collected and recycled.
- It is estimated that - till end of August 2018 - the campaigns contributed to the collection of over 10 tons of WEEE.
- EU recognition for the Ecotic Caravan came in May 2018 when it was amongst the projects (completed in 2016 and 2017) designated as “Best Environment LIFE Project” by the Member States represented on the LIFE Committee, the only Romanian project to receive the award in the EU Green Week event in Bruxelles.