The Ecotic Caravan: teaching people why it's important to recycle waste electrical and electronic equipment
The educational project Ecotic Caravan was co-financed by LIFE+ and ran from 2014 to 2016. It aimed to raise awareness about 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, 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 organised.
- Over 20 000 people visited the caravan as a result of campaigns held in public squares in many towns.
- At the same time, over 50 000 pupils from 104 schools gained a better understanding of just why WEEE and battery waste need to be correctly collected and recycled.
- It is estimated that 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 “Best Environment LIFE Project” by the Member States represented on the LIFE Committee. It was the only Romanian project to receive the award at EU Green Week in Brussels.