Prevent, reduce, replicate: a laboratory for a waste-free future

RIDUCITI’s actions are structured into three operational areas, designed to guide the territory from understanding the problem to the concrete testing of replicable solutions.

1. Analysis and mapping of the context

We analyze existing regulations and collect data on good practices on both sides of the border. The objective is to understand what works, who is involved, what the obstacles are, and how to build a common foundation for effective and replicable interventions.

2. Development of the cross-border Strategy and operational tools

Based on the mapping, RIDUCITI defines a shared strategy resulting from a participatory process involving institutions and stakeholders from both countries. A cross-border working group serves as a space for dialogue to coordinate actions and foster synergies. The strategy guides concrete and replicable actions, supported by practical guidelines and tools for citizens, schools, businesses, and institutions on key topics such as reuse, reduction of single-use items, food waste, and water consumption.
The creation of a cross-border Academy provides training for administrators, professionals, citizens, and teachers, encouraging the exchange of skills and good practices.
At the same time, an integrated communication plan is developed to analyze consumption behaviours and define targeted messages and tools to guide the community toward more sustainable daily choices through “nudges.”

3. Implementation at local level: administrations, schools, and citizens at the heart of change

The project then moves into its most operational phase: public administrations sign a collaborative pact and commit to implementing concrete prevention actions, ensuring that the project’s legacy continues beyond its completion. These actions include swap centers, reduction of single-use plastics, water refill systems, sustainable school canteens, and support for local shops.
Teachers and students are trained in good practices, with support for waste audits and hands-on experimentation. At the same time, an inclusive textile supply chain is tested: recovered textile waste is transformed into thermal and acoustic insulation panels, demonstrating both the feasibility and positive social impact of circular economy processes.
A cross-border campaign directly engages the community through digital tools, public events, and participatory initiatives, turning waste prevention into an everyday practice.

Young leaders of change

The goal is to create a new generation of aware, prepared, and motivated citizens ready to confront the climate crisis. This is achieved through innovative methodologies and a strongly collaborative approach. The ambitious objective: build a European network of young people committed to tackling climate change.

CLIMATIC: a role-playing game to understand climate

With CLIMATIC, students engage in a role-playing game that guides them through the dynamics of global climate systems. Through simulations, strategic choices, and realistic scenarios, they develop critical thinking and decision-making skills related to climate change.

Training those who teach: a program for educators

A dedicated training program for teachers aims to innovate environmental education and bring more experiential and participatory approaches into the classroom.

From theory to action: co-designing sustainability at school

Students and teachers work side by side to implement concrete sustainability actions within their schools: initiatives that improve spaces, change behaviors, and strengthen the role of the school community.

Connected with Europe: transnational exchanges

International exchanges offer students valuable opportunities for dialogue, alliance-building, and experience-sharing, strengthening collective action. They also transform schools into hubs of innovation, participation, and experimentation with sustainable practices.

 

2025-1-IT02-KA220-SCH-000357540

 

An ancient fortified city, a monastery deep in the woods, a landscape shaped by both history and nature. The area within the Local Park of Supra-municipal Interest Rile Tenore Olona holds an extraordinary cultural and environmental heritage: the Castelseprio Archaeological Park and the Monastery of Torba are two unique testimonies of the Lombard past. We are working to enhance the entire area and promote sustainable tourism.

A Path to Rediscover

We aim to restore continuity to the UNESCO site of Castelseprio–Torba by uncovering the ancient route that once connected the Castrum to the Monastery. An immersive itinerary weaving together history and nature, integrated into the RTO Park’s trail network and accessible to all.
Safer paths, scenic viewpoints, and rest areas will offer new perspectives on the landscape, while forest restoration will improve soil stability and habitat quality.

A New Space for Welcoming and Discovery

The former school of Torba will become a visitor hub—a place to get oriented, dive deeper, and experience the area through cultural and educational activities.

Sustainable Mobility and Green Connections

The entire visitor system will be integrated with the Olona Valley cycling and pedestrian path. Our goal is to link the trail to key points of interest through new safe crossings, making access easier and more enjoyable for hikers and cycling tourists.
Thanks to collaboration with the Province of Varese, we are also strengthening sustainable mobility services, with bike rental stations and e-bike charging points, for a more complete and eco-friendly visitor experience.

A Project for the Community

This project is the result of a shared effort among public institutions, local associations, and engaged citizens who care about the future of the Olona Valley.
Through a permanent working group, we promote a participatory approach to land management, actively involving local communities in the stewardship of shared resources.

The goal? To foster more conscious forms of tourism—environmentally respectful and capable of creating new opportunities for the region.

A project by Parco della Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate, in collaboration with Istituto Oikos, FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, and the Province of Varese.

We’re working with 3 upper secondary schools in the Province of Varese to provide engaging training and career orientation activities that make STEM subjects more approachable and stimulating. Around 500 students are involved in programs that connect science and sustainability. The pathway helps them understand the value of ecosystem services and explore how technology can be used to protect the environment. The methodologies used encourage creativity, active participation, and critical thinking.

Training and career guidance
Approximately 360 students are taking part in training sessions delivered by industry experts, combining lectures, scientific labs, and hands-on exercises to promote active, engaging learning. Another 500 students are joining meetings with professionals, site visits, and educational outings to discover the environmental and tech careers of the future up-close.

Work-based learning experiences
Each participating school will develop a PCTO (Paths for Transversal Skills and Career Guidance), involving small groups of students (6–7 per group) in practical field activities. These experiences allow students to apply what they’ve learned, develop professional skills, and strengthen soft skills essential for their future.

Teacher training and co-design of learning paths
The student training programmes are co-designed with teachers to reflect the unique features of each school, their academic focus, and class-specific needs. Teachers from partner schools take part in blended training (online and in-person) aimed at providing up-to-date educational tools and effective methodologies for integrating STEM into everyday teaching. The goal is to leave a lasting impact through the creation of educational kits, manuals, and teaching materials to make the project sustainable and replicable in the future.

A project open to the community
STEM-ES also reaches out to the wider community to create a supportive environment for spreading scientific culture and promoting STEM education. Outreach events, science-theatre performances, nature walks, and citizen science activities are planned to bring science into everyday life, strengthening dialogue between schools, families, and citizens, and fostering more informed, active citizenship.

The Fondo per la Repubblica Digitale (Digital Republic Fund) is a partnership between the Italian government and the association of banking foundations (ACRI). It supports the digitalization goals outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the National Complementary Plan (PNC), and is financed through contributions from banking foundations, which benefit from tax credits in return. The fund selects and supports digital training and inclusion projects for various population groups, including NEETs, women, unemployed and inactive individuals, workers at risk of job loss due to automation, secondary school students, social economy workers, people in prison, and vulnerable individuals. Its aim is to evaluate the impact of supported projects and scale the most effective ones to inform future national policy.
For more information: fondorepubblicadigitale.it

A Network for Sustainability and Inclusion

In close cooperation with a strong network of local organisations, we are working to transform the Social Garden into a welcoming place open to everyone. Here, we cultivate not only plants but also relationships and opportunities: a community hub for educational activities and support for vulnerable individuals, helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable society.

Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity

To improve crop quality and enrich the diversity of plants, we adopt agroecological practices. The project includes the creation of an orchard with ancient and local varieties, five themed beds with herbaceous and shrub species that promote biodiversity and attract pollinating insects, and a hedge to provide shelter for urban wildlife. We are also installing a rainwater harvesting system and a community composter to reduce waste and improve soil quality: a simple model that can be replicated at home.

Hospitality and Social Inclusion

The Social Garden aims to become a gathering place accessible to all, with special attention to people in vulnerable situations. The construction of a shelter, a changing room and a drinking water point will make the space usable year-round and provide a safe place to meet. We encourage community participation through recreational activities and educational events designed to strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of belonging.

Environmental Education and Healthy Living

Workshops, cooking classes focused on reducing food waste, and social theatre activities — the project offers a variety of opportunities for garden users, local residents and students. With the help of students, we plan to turn the garden into a storytelling path, enriched with messages about biodiversity and the importance of caring for one’s environment. Everyone is invited to take an active role, to learn new skills and to try out practical, eco-friendly habits.

The E.T. Esperimenti Territoriali project, in collaboration with Se.Mi ETS APS and the Municipality of Castellamonte, has received funding from the Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo under the “Simbiosi II: Insieme alla Natura per il futuro del Pianeta” call for proposals. This initiative supports projects that protect and enhance natural heritage and biodiversity, while raising public and individual awareness of the impact that environmental degradation has on human health.