Plastic Recycling and Upcycling Lab
KINONIKI SYNETAIRISTIKI EPICHIRISI SYLLOGIKIS KE KINONIKIS OFELEIAS APANO MERIA SYROU
Ermoupoli, Greece
Description
In Syros, plastic waste poses environmental threats to marine ecosystems, coastal areas, and public spaces on the island. Precious Plastic Syros Lab was created to find innovative solutions to this problem in a collaborative way. The lab is equipped with Precious Plastic machines, including a shredder, extruder, injection moulder, and compression machine, which are used to process plastic waste and transform it into new, functional objects through upcycling. This activity is designed to address plastic pollution and promote sustainability through hands-on engagement and educational outreach. Volunteer roles include plastic waste collection, sorting, and processing using Precious Plastic machines. Volunteers will also assist in workshops and educational programs for students and the community. They will collaborate with our team and local stakeholders to organise recycling events, pop-up workshops, and awareness campaigns during cultural festivals on the island.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
For the duration of their participation in the activity, volunteers' accommodation, food and transportation to outdoor activities will be fully taken care of by the organization. Volunteers will be hosted at Apano Meria’s Research Base, in the port town of Ermoupoli. They will stay in shared rooms with access to a common kitchen, bathrooms, garden and communal living spaces. Although public transport is available, electric bicycles are provided to explore the island of Syros.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will receive comprehensive training on plastic recycling techniques and machine operation, ensuring safe and efficient handling of plastic waste. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts, university interns, and the lab manager in project development, ideation sessions, and documentation of the recycling process. They will gain hands-on experience in project management, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills, valuable for their personal and professional development.
Participant profile
We are looking for motivated young people (18–30 years old) who wish to experience and contribute to community life, sustainability and hands-on ecological work. No previous experience is required, only curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn by doing. Ideal volunteers can work independently but also enjoy teamwork, hands-on activities and creative expression. They are ready to adapt to simple living conditions, share responsibilities and participate actively in the projects of the SCE. An interest in topics such as environmental conservation, cultural heritage or social media is welcome. The project also values personal growth and community awareness, so volunteers should be open to practising tools like sociocracy, non-violent communication and collective decision-making. Apano Meria SCE welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from those who wish to explore a more sustainable, inclusive and mindful way of living on a small island. Requirements -Fluency of English language (knowledge of Greek will be appreciated but is not necessary) -Strong communication skills -Basic computer skills: Typing, Research, Collaborative tools for working in teams. Graphic design and multimedia editing skills are good to have but not a necessity. -Respect regardless gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion, disability or socio-economic status.
Activity dates
A total of 8 week(s) during the period 01/02/2026 to 31/03/2027
Activity location
Episkopiou 7, Ermoupoli, Greece
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 24/12/2025 11:00
Project code
2025-1-EL02-ESC51-VTJ-000347558