Reference number:
2026-1-PL01-ESC30-SOL-000403456
Project duration:
01.10.2026 – 30.09.2027
Wracamy do Korzeni/Back to Our Roots
How can we make use of nature’s wealth in everyday life? Can traditional knowledge of herbs inspire modern, eco-friendly solutions? How can we combine the experience of older generations with the curiosity and creativity of younger ones?
Wracamy do Korzeni/Back to Our Roots is an intergenerational initiative that combines environmental education, the discovery of local natural resources and practical learning about how to use herbs in everyday life. Through workshops, herb walks, lectures, a competition and a conference, we want to introduce participants to natural ways of caring for themselves, their homes and the environment.
The project also creates a space for young people, adults and older people to meet, exchange experiences and discover traditions that can inspire a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle. We show that caring for the environment does not have to involve high costs, and that many valuable solutions can be found in knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Activities to be carried out as part of the project:
- Workshop “Making Natural Cosmetics” – During this practical session, participants will learn how to make simple cosmetics using natural ingredients. They will find out how to choose raw materials consciously, reduce unnecessary packaging and use readily available ingredients in their daily personal care routines. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to exchange experiences of traditional methods of body care.
- Autumn Herb Walk “A Green Pharmacy Within Reach” – An educational walk dedicated to discovering local plants and herbs. Participants will learn to identify selected species, discover their traditional uses and learn the principles of using natural resources safely and responsibly. Exploring the local surroundings together will also help participants develop a greater awareness of nature and build relationships with people of different ages.
- Lecture “Herbs in the Kitchen- From Seasoning to Medicine” combined with the workshop “Fermentation and Pickling with Herbs”– A meeting combining theoretical knowledge with practical cooking. Participants will learn about the use of herbs in food preparation, their properties and their role in culinary traditions. During the workshop, they will learn the basics of fermentation and pickling using herbs, discovering ways of processing and preserving food in keeping with the idea of reducing food waste.
- Workshop “Making Natural Cleaning Products” – Participants will explore ways of making simple household cleaning products using carefully selected ingredients. They will learn how to reduce waste and single-use packaging, and adopt more conscious habits when it comes to keeping their homes clean. Particular attention will be paid to the safe use of individual substances and their proper storage.
- Workshop “A Home Herbal First-Aid Kit” – dedicated to the traditional uses of medicinal plants and the principles of using herbal preparations safely. Participants will learn about selected plants, how to store them and how to prepare simple herbal products. The session will also discuss the limitations of using herbs and possible contraindications.
- Spring Herb Walk “A Green Pharmacy Within Reach” – The second nature walk, held in spring, will let participants observe changes in the natural environment and learn about plants that grow at this time of year. Participants will develop their species identification skills and deepen their knowledge of local biodiversity. The walk will also provide an opportunity for intergenerational integration and sharing knowledge about nature.
- Conference “Health from Nature – The Power of Herbs in Everyday Life” – The conference will provide a space for discussions about the role of nature in everyday life, eco-friendly habits, traditional herbal knowledge and the responsible use of natural resources. It will enable participants, people interested in herbalism, and representatives of different generations to exchange knowledge and experiences.
- Competition “Herbs in My Home” – A competition encouraging local residents to show how they use herbs in their everyday lives. Participants will be able to share their own ideas, family traditions, practical uses of plants and inspiration related to an eco-friendly lifestyle. The competition will help bring together a variety of experiences and promote good practice.
- “Nature Ambassadors” Group – As part of the project, we will develop a group of people interested in promoting knowledge about herbs, ecology and natural solutions in everyday life. Nature Ambassadors will be able to share the knowledge they have gained, inspire those around them to make more eco-friendly choices and promote the idea of intergenerational exchange of experiences. The group is intended to maintain interest in the project’s themes even after the planned events have ended.
- Guidebook – a collection of inspiration and good practice – We will prepare a publication containing selected information, ideas and inspiration related to the use of herbs and a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The guidebook will summarise the knowledge and experiences gathered during the project and serve as a source of inspiration for people who were unable to take part in the events.
What we do during the project:
- We raise environmental awareness and show how everyday choices affect the environment, as well as how to reduce excessive consumption, waste and the wasting of resources.
- We teach people how to identify plants and herbs, learn about their uses and make responsible use of nature.
- We teach people how to make natural cosmetics and household cleaning products.
- We revisit practices related to using plants, saving resources and making everyday products independently.
- We bring generations together – creating a space where young people, adults and older people can learn together, share experiences and inspire one another.
- We challenge intergenerational stereotypes – highlighting the value of older people’s knowledge and experience, while encouraging younger generations to contribute their own ideas and perspectives.
- We promote a conscious lifestyle by encouraging contact with nature, the development of interests and everyday activities that support well-being through closeness to nature.
- We involve local residents in workshops, walks, the competition, and initiatives that encourage the continued sharing of knowledge.
Partnership
LEVEL UP Association
Project leader, Łódź
The project is financed by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps programme.
