The “Sustainable Bodies” project aims to challenge and transform perceptions around teenage intimate hygiene by promoting sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious practices. Through workshops, creative materials, and awareness campaigns, the project works to destigmatize the topic and empower young people of all genders to make informed, responsible, and sustainable choices.
Building on the success of the previous initiative “Cossos Sostenibles,” the partnership continues to expand its impact across Europe by co-creating educational resources, engaging families and educators, and nurturing a generation that is conscious, confident, and environmentally aware.
The 3rd transnational meeting of the Sustainable Bodies project took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, on 11–12 September 2025, bringing together partners from Spain, the Czech Republic, and Greece.
Hosted by EN.O Greece, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity to review progress, exchange experiences, and plan the next implementation phase.
The discussions focused on evaluating the materials developed so far, strengthening engagement strategies with young people, and ensuring that the project’s activities remain inclusive, relevant, and impactful.
The meeting opened with a presentation of the work accomplished to date. EN.O Greece showcased the promotional videos produced during the previous phase: a general awareness video introducing the project’s objectives and values, and two short videos co-created with young participants who shared their personal thoughts and experiences on sustainable intimate hygiene. The involvement of young people in these productions was particularly meaningful, as it brought authenticity, inclusivity, and creativity to the project’s message. The videos also incorporated data from the survey conducted earlier in the project, effectively connecting research with storytelling.
Partners then reviewed the pre-workshop questionnaire, refining it to better reflect participants’ knowledge and perceptions before taking part in the workshops.
The first day continued with an inspiring presentation by Mrs. Nikolina Kirovits, entrepreneur and founder of a sustainable enterprise. She shared her experience of building a responsible business and discussed the principles of ethical production, creative planning, and sustainability in entrepreneurship. Her presentation covered topics such as sustainable product design, eco-friendly production methods, market research and innovation, risk management, and long-term planning.
In addition to her professional insights, Mrs. Kirovits offered practical advice for everyday life, highlighting ingredients to avoid in intimate and personal hygiene products due to their potential harm to health and the environment. Among them were Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), parabens, propylene glycol, phthalates, and genetically modified derivatives of oils and butters. This information complemented the project’s goals by helping participants become more conscious consumers and linking sustainability to personal well-being and daily habits.
In the evening, the partners visited the 89th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, where they met representatives of the Hellenic National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (INEDIVIM). During their visit, they presented the Sustainable Bodies project, exchanged ideas on youth empowerment and sustainability, and discussed potential future collaborations. The warm reception and interest shown by the National Agency left an excellent impression on all participants.
The second day was dedicated to planning the next phase of activities – the local workshops to be implemented in each partner country. The discussions focused on necessary adjustments and translations of materials, adapting content to different cultural and linguistic contexts, and involving families to create a more lasting impact. Partners also explored ways to introduce awareness activities at an earlier age through age-appropriate materials.
Later that day, participants welcomed Mrs. Kiriaki Chatzigianni, an entrepreneur known for her innovative approach to sustainable book creation. Her work connects ecological awareness with Greek mythology and history, engaging young people and families in the process of creating traditional costumes for mythological and historical characters. This creative, hands-on activity fosters both environmental sensitivity and cultural appreciation. At the end of her session, participants received a handmade book of their choice — a symbolic gift that beautifully captured the project’s values of sustainability, creativity, and conscious living.
Following this presentation, participants — together with the guest— took part in a creative sustainability workshop, where they prepared a natural toothpaste using everyday eco-friendly ingredients such as baking soda and coconut oil. This hands-on activity, which will later be implemented in local workshops with young people, aimed to demonstrate how simple, natural resources can be used to replace industrial products with sustainable and safe alternatives. The exercise reflected the project’s educational approach, linking environmental awareness to practical life skills and personal care routines.
The meeting was hosted at the Faculty of Education – School of Primary Education of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with which EN.O Greece maintains an ongoing collaboration. The faculty expressed great interest in supporting the project’s dissemination phase, particularly among future teachers, recognizing the importance of promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and well-being within educational environments.
The Thessaloniki meeting concluded with renewed motivation among all partners to continue their shared mission — to empower young people across Europe to care for themselves, their communities, and the planet through sustainable, inclusive, and responsible practices
