The Young Friends of the Earth Europe summer camp 2014 in Bulgaria was all about ‘Food Unplugged‘ – our call for a radical shift in our food system that rejects industrialised food production and puts local, sustainable food first. Here, some of the participants who were at the camp reflect on what they learned and share their wisdom from everything from worm composting to farmers’ markets.
Dumpster diving by Iwan from Germany
Every year, one third of the food that we produce globally for human consumption gets wasted. That’s 1.3 billion tonnes in total, of produce that’s used precious energy and water resources to be grown, picked, processed and transported, to then only end up in the trash bin.
Iwan from Germany has prepared this guide for anyone adventurous enough to go on a dumpster diving forage themselves. So here you go!
Living in nature by Celine from Switzerland
Ever wanted to make your own shampoo? Don’t know what to do with your dirty water when camping?
Inspired by the Young Friends of the Earth Europe summer camp 2014 in the Rhodope mountains in Bulgaria, Celina from Switzerland put together this list of tips for living creatively and responsibly with nature – both when camping and at home.
The who, how and why of composting by Radostina from Bulgaria
Who invented composting? What’s the difference between pit and windrow composting? Radostina from Bulgaria runs through all you need know about compost, and concludes that we should “make compost, not war!”
Food sovereignty lifts off in Bulgaria by Jan-Lars from the Netherlands
“We did not only want to fight GMOs, but contribute something positive to society”. Jan-Lars from the Netherlands explains how Bulgarian farmers’ markets are taking off, and reconnecting people with the food they eat and the people who make it.
Getting your hands dirty with worm composting, by Dora from Croatia
Red Californian worms: they eat their entire bodyweight every day, and are here to save your compost! Dora from Croatia reports on how our wiggly friends create an excellent organic fertilizer for your fruits, vegetables and plants.
For more experiences of the 2014 summer camp, check out these blogs from those who were there:
Days 1 & 2: Adventure and inspiration
Day 3: Sharing skills and new experiences
Day 4: Getting creative with campaigning
Day 5: Nature walks and cultural exchanges
Day 6: Network building and seed swapping