On September 6th 2023, SHINE organized a workshop in Porto, Portugal, which brought together seven participants aged over 55. The primary objective of this workshop was to capture their valuable insights and perspectives on two key outcomes of the GreenerAge project: the compendium and the platform. It’s important to note that SHINE is a partner in the project and takes the lead in managing the platform.
The GreenerAge project is dedicated to empowering citizens aged 55 and above with knowledge about climate change and the environment while equipping them with practical tips and tools they can easily incorporate into their daily lives. The platform and compendium cover a range of essential themes, including climate change, sustainable food consumption, responsible water usage, sustainable energy practices, eco-friendly transportation, and more.
During this workshop, the focus was on sustainable food consumption. Participants engaged in a lively discussion, sharing their individual perspectives on what constitutes sustainable food consumption, the environmental impacts associated with food choices, and practical tips for adopting more sustainable eating habits. Notably, concepts like seasonal and organic fruits and vegetables were highlighted, along with discussions about the environmental consequences of practices like super-intensive agriculture and planting non-native foods.
As for practical tips, the group touched upon the idea of gardening, which some found to be quite challenging. Subsequently, participants explored the compendium and the platform, both of which received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many participants appreciated the simple and actionable tips provided by these resources, which prompted them to consider new ways of living more sustainably. Regarding the platform, participants liked the inclusion of information explaining the environmental impacts associated with unsustainable food production and consumption, including the use of informative infographics. Some suggestions were made for the platform, such as adding more images.
It’s noteworthy that the snacks served during the workshop consisted of locally sourced, national products purchased from local markets. To conclude the event, participants received a handy guide featuring a list of local markets where organic food is available for purchase.
This workshop served as an essential step in the GreenerAge project, providing valuable insights from older citizens so that the compendium and platform can be improved before they are released.
