During the two-day event (June 4 and 5, 2024), citizens of all ages received more information about, for example, the role of bees, cleaning the environment with natural materials, and the resistance of buildings to earthquakes. Students and teachers of the GTF presented their research, i.e. the role of the individual in environmental protection. The event was intended for all ages, especially for children and young people in order to learn about environmental protection through educational content, interactive quizzes and experiments. In addition, this was also an opportunity for graduates to learn more about individual study programs and decide to continue their education in Varaždin.
The visitors looked with interest at the exhibits of works by students of the TTF, created in cooperation with partners from the industry in the field of Footwear Design. The activities related to the topic of environmental protection, which are carried out at TTF through the projects "Assessment of the release of microplastic particles from polyester textiles in the washing process - InWaShed-MP" and "Development of biodegradable non-woven agrotextiles from natural and renewable sources" were specially presented. In addition, numerous workshops were held and innovative solutions of ecological sports shoes from well-known and lesser-known brands that are working to set new (sustainable) standards were presented.
The FOI presented in its exhibition spaces how, through teaching students and the general public, with an emphasis on young people and children, it strives to contribute to environmental protection and encourage them to think about sustainable issues relevant to society. FOI presented the innovative ideas of students from the recently held competition called "Global Goals Jam" - a global initiative that aims to contribute to sustainability goals and spread awareness of current local challenges and topics related to sustainability. Students presented solutions for previously identified local problems, as well as prototype and concept solutions for the same. In addition, the visitors got to know the "green practices" of FOI, and the youngest ones relaxed by playing video games related to environmental protection and sustainability.
This year, students of Varaždin First High School and Varaždin Business School participated in the commemoration by making posters, the aim of which is to make the public aware of the need to preserve the environment and encourage them to think about possible problems. The company Parkovi d.o.o. presented her project in cooperation with secondary and primary schools "To the cemetery without plastic", with which she wants to reduce the burden of plastic waste on the Varaždin cemetery.
The event was supported by the City of Varaždin, Varaždin County and the University of Zagreb.
World Environment Day is the most important international day dedicated to the promotion of environmental protection. Led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), it has been held every June 5 since 1973. Over the past five decades, it has grown into one of the largest global platforms for environmental protection. Every year, tens of millions of people participate online and through in-person activities and events and actions around the world.
