Inspiring Meeting with Youth on the Occasion of Global Recycling Day

On May 7th, the Institute in Gliwice hosted a gathering to commemorate World Recycling Day, coupled with celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union. The event brought together 300 students from several primary schools, providing them with an opportunity to listen to inspiring speeches and participate in captivating presentations on the significance of recycling and the benefits of European integration.

On May 7th, the Institute in Gliwice hosted an inspiring meeting with youth to commemorate World Recycling Day, coupled with celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union. The event brought together 300 students from several primary schools in Gliwice and Pyskowice, along with a dozen teachers. After the official welcome by Barbara Juszczyk, Director of the Institute, the floor was given to the co-hosts of the meeting, including Kazimierz Poznański, President of the Chamber of Commerce, who outlined to the youth the exceptional role and importance of metal recycling in the economy, society, and the environment. The next speaker was Mr. Marek Balt, a Member of the European Parliament, who shared the material benefits that Poland has gained from EU membership on the occasion of the 20th anniversary, amounting to 165 billion euros. He also highlighted the importance of EU legislative work, which, when implemented into national legal systems, constitutes 60% of regulations, especially in the area of environmental protection. Subsequently, Mr. Aleksander Baj, Publisher from "Element" Publishing House, inspired the youth to pursue their passions and talents. Following these speeches, the students were invited to tour the Research Facilities in 8 centers, including the Center for Mineral Raw Materials Processing, the Metallurgy Center, the Hydroelectrometallurgy Center, the Environmental Protection Center, the Analytical Chemistry Center, the Advanced Materials Technology Center, the Functional Materials Center, and the Powder and Composite Materials Center. The alternating tours provided a good moment for a prepared refreshment for all participants, after which the youngest staff of the Institute, represented by Ms. Marta Lewandowska, presented on recycling, initiating an open discussion on the topic. The meeting was enlivened by joint exercises with the youth, followed by sensational artistic gymnastics performances by talented children and youth from UKS Gliwice & Talent Academy led by Ms. Marzena Bartoszewicz. All participants were awarded a book published by ELEMENT Publishing House, "Capture the Element," EU calendars, and commemorative bookmarks for Global Recycling Day. Finally, President Kazimierz Poznański, on behalf of the organizers, extended warm thanks to the Research Staff of the Institute for the very warm and open reception of the youth, as well as for supporting the educational campaign of the Packaging Recycling Agreement EKOPAK, in collaboration with ELEMENT Publishing House and media representatives, led by Silesia Regional Television.