Art Students in Sofia Turn Waste into Jewellery
For this year’s #ForOurPlanet campaign the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria partnered with the National Academy of Arts (NAA) in Sofia to organise an Upcycle competition.
Over twenty students from various disciplines – including Metal, Ceramics, Fashion Design, and more – took part, creating modern jewellery using recycled materials. The winner, Boris Prashtilski, impressed the judges with his necklace “Star Spiral”, crafted from a washing machine steel net.
Students described “upcycling” as more than just recycling – it’s about adding value, inspiration, and artistic flair to discarded items.
Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria, praised the students’ efforts, highlighting how important it is to rethink waste, especially when only 38% is currently recycled in the EU.
Temari Workshops: Traditional Craft Meets Upcycling
The Orient Museum in partnership with the European Commission’s Representation in Lisbon supported the #ForOurPlanet campaign by organising two Temari making workshops.
Japanese Temari balls, once made from kimono scraps, are a striking example of textile upcycling. Participants learned to wind fabric remnants into decorative balls.
In Japan they symbolised friendship, loyalty, and good fortune, often passed down as cherished keepsakes. Today, they are celebrated both as decorative art and as a creative way to reuse textile scraps through traditional methods.
It is inspiring to see how a traditional craft can serve as an example of circularity. This workshop demonstrates that sustainability can be beautiful, creative, and deeply connected to each of our cultures.
#ForOurPlanet Campaign at the 4th Attica Green Expo, Greece
The Representation of the European Commission in Greece brought the #ForOurPlanet campaign to the 4th Attica Green Expo, offering visitors a hands-on experience of the circular economy in action.
10,000 reusable fabric bags and eco-friendly pens with plantable seeds were distributed, spreading the message of sustainability and mindful consumption. The educational game, “Big changes often start with small steps” which attracted more than 10,400 students, demonstrating how even small actions can make a significant difference.
The Representation also organised a panel discussion featuring local and regional leaders who explored the role of the circular economy within the European Union’s broader green agenda. In total, over 20,000 visited the stand throughout the event, including Commissioner Kadis.
Croatian Scouts Bring #ForOurPlanet Campaign to Life Skills Festival
With support from the European Commission Representation in Croatia, the Croatian Scouts brought the #ForOurPlanet campaign to the Life Skills Festival, engaging over 1,500 students from Sisak-Moslavina County, Petrinja, and across Croatia.
The event featured more than 30 educational workshops, many centered on the circular economy.
Participants created textile tote bags from recycled materials, featuring protected Croatian animals, and took part in waste-sorting activities and clean-up efforts across Petrinja.
Scouts also crafted bookmarks from discarded paper and cardboard, decorated with local flora and fauna. A dedicated group cleaned dykes and trails along three kilometres of the Petrinjčica river, contributing to the care and restoration of the natural environment while promoting sustainability through hands-on action.
Clothes Swap in Lithuania Promotes Sustainable Fashion
As part of the #ForOurPlanet campaign and the European Climate Pact, Climate Pact Ambassador Inga Labutytė Atkočaitienė hosted a clothes swap at the European Commission Representation in Lithuania aiming to raise awareness of textile waste. Participants brought gently used clothes to exchange, giving them new life! Inga, a committed climate activist and journalist, emphasises that reducing textile waste starts with rethinking consumption habits: “Buy less, choose quality, and only when really needed.”
She encourages repairing, altering, and upcycling clothes as creative ways to slow down fast fashion and cut carbon footprints. Inga also suggests a no-clothes-buying challenge for six months or longer, highlighting how it can change perceptions about consumption.
Stockholm’s EU Office Champions Circular Design
The European Commission Representation in Stockholm has transformed its office relocation into a showcase of circular design. As part of the House of Europe refurbishment, the project prioritised reusing materials, cutting waste, and aligning with both EU values and Swedish sustainability goals.
Thanks to strong collaboration and early staff involvement, the renovation produced just 32 kg of CO₂ emissions—less than half that of a standard project. Impressively, over 85% of existing furniture was reused, with more than 200 pieces refurbished, some dating back to the 1990s.
Local designers repaired, repurposed, and selectively sourced items to complete the space.
Before getting involved in our relocation project, I had no idea how significant the environmental impact of construction and renovation could be—and subsequently how much carbon footprint could be reduced by reusing elements like glass partitions, doors, and more. It was an interesting journey that made me realise how all of us can improve our footprint by doing things differently.
Award Winning Circular Economy Garden at Bord Bia Bloom, Dublin
The European Commission Representation in Ireland drew over 100,000 visitors at Bord Bia Bloom with its award-winning “Renewed Blooms” garden, designed by David Negus in partnership with the Rediscovery Centre.
Championing the circular economy, the garden showcased sustainable gardening and creative resource reuse—perfectly aligning with this year’s #ForOurPlanet campaign. Its innovation and message earned it a gold medal in the show’s garden category.
The event also launched the Commission’s “Go Circular” campaign in Ireland, promoting waste reduction and reuse in everyday life.
Supported by EU partners including the European Parliament Liaison Office, Eurofound, and European Movement Ireland, the project inspired thousands to reflect on their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable habits.
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Ministry of Energy joins #ForOurPlanet with Swap Fair
This year, Hungary’s Ministry of Energy officially joined the 2025 #ForOurPlanet campaign with its popular clothes swap fair. Since its start in 2022, this Earth Day event has grown into a vibrant celebration of the circular economy, promoting reuse and sustainable consumption.
On April 25, 2025, Ministry staff brought in 244.3 kg of items with nearly 70% exchanged on-site, including clothing, toys, and books. Leftover goods were donated to charity, highlighting the event’s social impact.
The swap fairs are more than sustainability in practice they're opportunities to connect colleagues, build community, and reflect on consumption habits in a tangible and joyful way.
The Ministry has also developed a practical guide that helps other organisations replicate this successful, low-cost initiative, inspiring wider action for a greener Europe.