open-navigation
close-navigation

NEWS

Empowering Rome’s Youth for a Greener Tomorrow: Our World Environmental Week Microgrants

  • Rome, Italy

As part of our World Environmental Week (WEW) celebrations under the Youth Green Compass project, we had the privilege of supporting three extraordinary youth-led Roman organizations: Giovani per la Sostenibilità, ARCA Roma Project, and Quadodo. Through dedicated microgranting, we provided these grassroots groups with the resources to host impactful events focused on environmental education, active conservation, and sustainable urban living. Together, these initiatives demonstrated how young leaders are actively reshaping Rome into a more sustainable, inclusive, and eco-conscious city.

Fostering Menstrual Sustainability and Local Biodiversity

In Villa Borghese, Giovani per la Sostenibilità hosted their Summer Party to celebrate the completion of the first semester of their “Ciclo Sostenibile” project. Bringing together 23 participants, the event focused on promoting eco-friendly menstrual health options, sharing results from an initiative that has already reached over 30 women, and distributing reusable menstrual cups to launch the next phase of the project. On the biodiversity front, Progetto ARCA Roma organized Biodiversità in rete at the Botanical Garden of Rome. The event gathered 40 young researchers, students, and enthusiasts to draft six environmental restoration proposals sent directly to the Ministry of the Environment (MASE). A major milestone of the day was the opening of a new breeding facility section and the release of Triturus carnifex (crested newt) larvae into the garden’s historic fountain, reintroducing a species that had been extinct in the area since the 1990s.

 

Upcycling and Craftsmanship at Casa QUADODO

Moving toward sustainable consumption and slow living, Quadodo hosted a practical upcycling workshop titled Impara a cucire la tua Bag Reversibile: Workshop & Aperitivo at Casa QUADODO. Guided by an expert instructor, 11 female participants were introduced to basic sewing techniques using exclusively leftover fabric scraps from industrial production remnants. By turning textile waste into functional, reusable tote bags, the initiative directly tackled single-use habits and fast fashion. Beyond teaching a valuable DIY skill, the workshop provided a tech-free, screen-free space for non-formal learning and community building, concluding with a convivial aperitivo that allowed participants to connect and share experiences.

 

Sustainable Mobility Meets Queer History

To wrap up the week’s activities, Quadodo organized Ride with Pride: pedalata nella storia queer di Roma, a guided urban bicycle tour exploring the capital’s LGBTQIA+ history from ancient times to the modern era. Guided by environmental and heritage experts, 8 participants cycled through Rome’s historic center, merging soft mobility with social inclusion and cultural awareness. By using bicycles as the sole mode of transport, the initiative highlighted the importance of human-scale, car-free urban spaces while creating a safe and welcoming environment for meaningful dialogue on human rights, diversity, and social sustainability.