A Creative Workshop for Sustainability in Cooperation with AIESEC

The “Youth Perspective: From Waste to Art” event, organized in collaboration between Bornova Municipality and AIESEC İzmir Branch, hosted a hands-on workshop aimed at raising awareness among young people about environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change. Held at the Waste Art Workshop, the event transformed many materials commonly regarded as waste in daily life into works of art.

Not Waste, but a Resource

As part of the workshop, participants repurposed materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and textiles, creating various designs by making them reusable. Conducted through an art- and design-based learning approach, the program translated theoretical knowledge into practice and reinforced lasting learning through experience.

The event emphasized that waste is not merely something to be disposed of; when managed properly, it can become a resource that generates economic, environmental, and social benefits. The impact of excessive consumption and increasing waste volumes on climate change was addressed, and the importance of recycling and reuse practices within the circular economy model was highlighted.

A Youth Contribution to Climate Action

Guided by AIESEC volunteers, the workshop encouraged young people to actively participate in environmental management processes. Participants internalized sustainable consumption habits and had the opportunity to concretely assess the impact of individual behaviors on climate change.

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki underlined the importance of youth acting with environmental awareness for the city’s sustainable future vision, stating:

“Combating the climate crisis is not only the responsibility of institutions, but of all of us. The fact that our young people transform waste into works of art shows that we need to change our perspective. What we call waste can, when managed correctly, become a resource that contributes to the economy, nature, and social solidarity. As Bornova Municipality, we will continue to stand by our youth in line with our zero-waste goals and sustainable city vision.”

Bornova Municipality continues to support awareness projects that actively involve young people, in line with its commitment to combating climate change, implementing zero-waste policies, and promoting a participatory local governance approach.