Green Picnic in Żory: Recycling in the Spirit of Fun

Ecological education, lavender, and a garbage truck – Żory residents took on the mission of recycling!

On June 28, 2025, the surroundings of Baranowice Palace in Żory transformed into a vibrant environmental education hub during the event “Green Picnic: Mission – Recycling!”, organized as part of the Upper Oder Festival by the “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” project in cooperation with the Waste Management Department of the Żory City Hall. The event was hosted by Joanna Szerzyńska-Grabowska, the eco-manager of the Municipality of Żory. Green lawns turned into a colorful educational playground, filled with children’s laughter and ecological discussions.

Recycling as an adventure and a challenge

The highlight of the picnic was the creative workshop “Toys from Recycling”, where children created new toys from reused materials such as paper, plastic, fabric, and cardboard. Participants discovered that waste can be a resource when given a second life through creativity and reuse.

Simultaneously, the outdoor activity “Eco-Scavenger Hunt in the Park” engaged families in a game where they searched for recyclable materials placed along a route. At each marked point, they completed tasks related to correct waste sorting. It was a dynamic activity that combined movement with environmental education.

Learning, conversation, and… a garbage truck

One of the most exciting attractions—especially for children—was the opportunity to explore a real garbage truck. Visitors could look inside the vehicle and learn how modern waste collection systems work.

Throughout the day, residents could also consult with the eco-manager, who provided information on available subsidies for eco-friendly home improvements, including renewable energy, heating system replacements, and thermal retrofits. These one-on-one conversations were a great chance to learn how individual actions can support climate goals.

Lavender quiz and circular inspirations

A lavender-themed quiz tested participants' knowledge about recycling. Correct answers were rewarded with lavender seedlings—in total, 150 plants were distributed. The fragrant herb became a symbol of the sustainable lifestyle that participants were encouraged to cultivate in their homes and gardens.

“Green Picnic: Mission – Recycling!” combined fun and education to introduce the principles of the circular economy. It showed that ecology can be enjoyable, and that meaningful change often starts with a joyful afternoon in the park.