Ecological Awareness Festival in Jastrzębie-Zdrój

On September 21st, another edition of the Ecological Picnic took place in Zdrojowy Park in Jastrzębie-Zdrój, organized by the City Office and eco-manager Edyta Garlińska as part of the LIFE project "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored." The event attracted many residents who had the opportunity to spend time in an atmosphere of fun, education, and eco-friendly activities. The picnic provided a great opportunity to expand knowledge about environmental protection and implement pro-environmental solutions in daily life.

One of the main highlights of the event was the ecological workshops, during which participants learned how to make natural air fresheners and cleaning pastes. These simple yet effective solutions demonstrated that ecology starts with small changes at home that can significantly impact both health and the environment. Additionally, the trash-art workshops attracted people interested in transforming waste into original works of art. Participants had the chance to repurpose used materials into creative objects, perfectly aligning with the idea of reuse and recycling.

The picnic was also filled with attractions for children, who could participate in a variety of outdoor games and activities. Water tattoos, waste sorting contests, eco memory games, and numerous outdoor games were highly popular. The younger participants not only enjoyed themselves but also learned the importance of caring for the natural environment. At the end of the competitions, surprise prizes awaited them, further emphasizing the value of eco-friendly actions.

For older participants, five educational stations were prepared, each covering different aspects of environmental protection. One of these was an ecological cinema, where films about ecology and sustainable development were shown. Another big attraction was a solar-powered bus offering eco-themed computer games. Additionally, residents had the opportunity to participate in an outdoor game and view the educational exhibition "Clean Air," which illustrated how our daily decisions greatly affect air quality.

During the picnic, there was also a lecture on electronic waste, aimed at raising awareness among participants about how to properly handle electronic waste and the negative environmental impact of improper disposal. For those interested in natural products, a honey tasting was offered, which garnered much interest from the event's attendees.

One of the most important moments of the Ecological Picnic was the announcement of the winners of the competition "Guardians of Clean Earth," aimed at high schools. Students competed to see which school could collect the most waste from their neighborhood. The winning schools were awarded valuable educational aids, which will certainly assist in further ecological education.

During the picnic, residents also had the opportunity to take advantage of practical advice from the eco-manager, who shared knowledge about ecological initiatives that can be implemented on a local and individual level. Participants learned how small steps in everyday life—such as waste segregation, energy conservation, or using natural products—can contribute to improving the environment. The eco-manager also provided guidance on replacing outdated heating sources, thermomodernization, and available financial support programs.

The Ecological Picnic in Jastrzębie-Zdrój was not only an opportunity for communal fun but also, above all, a chance to gain knowledge about ecology and sustainable development. This event showed how much can be achieved when local communities work together toward protecting the environment.

Text and photos: Edyta Garlińska, eco-manager of the Jastrzębie-Zdrój Municipality.