Zero Waste & Eco-Sustainable Taste (ZEST)

Across Europe, over 88 million tonnes of food waste are generated annually, with the gastronomy and public event sectors acting as major contributors to organic waste. While young Europeans are increasingly eager to tackle climate change, a significant gap remains between theoretical environmental awareness and practical "green skills." Young culinary students, eco-activists, and youth workers often lack experiential opportunities to master circular gastronomy, waste auditing, and eco-friendly event management.

The Living Lab Approach
Hosted by the Adana Governorship in Türkiye, the ZEST project is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange that brings together young people and youth leaders from 7 European countries. ZEST transforms one of the region’s largest culinary gatherings—the International Adana Taste Festival, attracting over 1 million visitors annually—into a real-world "Living Lab". Instead of learning in traditional classrooms, participants directly apply zero-waste methods within a high-volume public event.

Key Project Activities & Deliverables
During the exchange, participants will:

Engage in hands-on food upcycling workshops, learning to transform kitchen off-cuts and organic by-products into high-value gourmet dishes.

Conduct live event waste audits and waste-sorting challenges to measure and mitigate organic waste in real time.

Lead interactive public awareness campaigns and pop-up eco-booths for festival visitors.

Co-create the "ZEST Zero-Waste Cookbook", an open educational resource (OER) combining traditional sustainable recipes, upcycling techniques, and practical zero-waste kitchen tips from all 6 partner countries.

Draft youth-led policy recommendations for eco-sustainable public events.

Inclusion & Lasting Impact
ZEST places social inclusion at its core, ensuring that at least 40% of participants are young people with fewer opportunities (including hearing-impaired youth, rural youth, and NEETs). Through non-formal learning and peer mentorship, the project boosts participants' self-confidence, cross-cultural competences, and employability in the emerging green economy. Ultimately, ZEST empowers young participants to return home as lifelong Green Ambassadors for their local communities.

Partner Profile
We are looking for 7 motivated organisations (NGOs, Youth Associations, Public Bodies, VET Institutions, or Youth Centers) that meet the following criteria:

Based in an Erasmus+ Programme Country (EU Member States or Associated Third Countries).
Active in youth work, environmental sustainability, green skills, gastronomy, or social inclusion.
Capable of recruiting and supporting a diverse group of participants (including participants with fewer opportunities).
Committed to active participation in all project phases: APV (Advanced Planning Visit), preparation, main exchange, dissemination, and evaluation.

Participant Profile (Who will attend?)
Each country group will consist of 5 participants (1 Leader + 4 Participants):

Age: 18–30 years old for participants; 18+ (no upper age limit) for youth leaders.

Profile: Culinary/gastronomy students, young chefs, eco-activists, youth workers, or young people passionate about sustainability and zero-waste lifestyles.

Inclusion Focus: At least 40% of participants must be young people with fewer opportunities (facing socio-economic, geographic, physical obstacles, rural youth, NEETs, or hearing-impaired youth).

Language: Basic-to-intermediate English communication skills (support will be provided through non-formal/visual tools).

How to Apply?
If your organisation is interested in becoming a partner in the ZEST project, please fill out our Partner Application Form / Send your PIF (Partner Identification Form) to:

Email: ramazangorgun01@gmail.com

Required Documents: Updated PIF with OID Number

We look forward to building a greener, zero-waste future together!