Waterford Sustainable Living Initiative

BACKGROUND

The Waterford Sustainable Living Initiative (SLí) was founded in 2019 and works toward the vision of a global community striving toward an equitable and sustainable future for all. Our mission is to educate and empower the people of the South East of Ireland to live in accordance with sustainability and responsible consumption and take positive climate action.

SLí provides a range of education and awareness raising programmes to schools, youth groups and community organisations to raise the profile of sustainability within our community. All of our work takes place within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. SLí works on a variety of issues that fall under this umbrella including the problems of single-use plastic, waste, fair trade, child and forced labour, ethical fashion, water, transportation, etc.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Global Schools: This Project, now in its 19th year having moved with SLí’s founder from its previous home, is a peer teaching and learning Project that works with 12 schools in the South East of Ireland. Transition Year Students participate in a week-long development education programme that focuses on a global issue as well as participatory teaching methods. TY Students then deliver a workshop of their own design to students in both primary and junior cycle. Global Schools is funded by WorldWise Global Schools.

People and Planet: SLí’s newest Project, funded by DEAR, is a 9-country development education project designed to empower young people to take positive climate action with a particular focus on Water. Activities include a youth climate council for the South East, Global Green Labs, SDG Workshops, Street Actions and hopefully a festival or two.

Art Pollination: This Project works with primary students on SLí’s environmental curriculum culminating in art installations, led by local visual artists Aga Krym and Ania Wojewodka, using reclaimed plastic waste. To date, 4 pieces have been installed throughout Waterford County. This work is funded by Waterford City and County Council.

United in Diversity, United in Action: Resource developed with the support of the Communicating Europe Initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs that looks at the critical role of the EU in facing global issues such as climate and health.