On 25th May, during the workshop “What Is Zero Waste and the Circular Economy (CE) All About?”, we met with producers, service providers, and individuals interested in implementing practices that help reduce waste in everyday life.
One of the key topics discussed was the range of initiatives carried out in the Barycz Valley for more than 20 years to promote local producers and service providers while supporting environmental protection, resource efficiency, and the development of conscious consumer attitudes toward local products. Participants also discussed the cooperation of local partners in creating a shared calendar of events organised under the Carp Days in the Barycz Valley and Spring in the Barycz Valley programmes, which bring together producers and service providers during seasonal autumn and spring events.
Another important topic was the planned certification of sustainable tourism destinations by the Polish Tourism Organisation, which is seen as an opportunity for further regional development and the promotion of good practices. Participants also highlighted the importance of local climate education initiatives and discussed opportunities to support environmental projects through grants planned for the Barycz Valley region for the years 2026–2028.
The workshop also addressed the global scale of waste generation and the alarming consequences of excessive consumption, emphasising the need for practical measures to reduce losses and waste. Discussions focused on everyday habits and solutions that can be adopted by both residents and organisations to contribute to a more sustainable way of living and operating.
We also explored the growing awareness of consumers and their expectations of businesses regarding sustainability. Increasingly, customers are paying attention not only to products and services themselves, but also to how they are created, their environmental impact, and companies’ engagement in social and environmental initiatives. Participants noted that many local businesses and organisations are already implementing valuable initiatives and solutions that help reduce their environmental footprint. However, these efforts often remain largely invisible to customers. The discussion highlighted the need for stronger cooperation and joint promotion of good practices that enhance the credibility of the region and strengthen the recognition of local brands and services.
Each participant shared their experiences and examples of good practice, particularly in the area of using waste materials as resources for creating new products, such as vinegars and cosmetics.
Special thanks go to the hosts of the meeting, Oleowita, who presented their innovative solutions that may inspire other local businesses and organisations to develop attractive and sustainable offerings.
We would like to thank all participating producers, service providers, representatives of municipalities and educational centres, as well as members of the Social Council and the Chapter of the “Barycz Valley Recommends” quality label, for their active participation, exchange of experiences, and contribution to creating a space for dialogue on sustainable development and responsible actions for the benefit of the region.
The event was organised as part of the INTERREG Central Europe 2021–2027 “RUREVIVE” project.
The presentation is available for download on the website www.dbpoleca.barycz.pl.