A series of educational lectures on textile waste, fast fashion, and sustainable waste management was organised as part of the Young Eco Heroes educational programme, a EURECA-PRO (European University on Responsible Consumption and Production) initiative coordinated by the Technical University of Crete (TUC). The lectures formed part of the course "Sustainable Textiles – Reducing Fashion Waste" and were delivered to second-grade pupils of the 1st Experimental Junior High School of Chania. 

The programme addresses textile waste through the Six Thinking Hats method developed by Edward de Bono, encouraging pupils to examine complex issues from different perspectives. This approach helps pupils develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. 

To support this learning process, a series of lectures was delivered by academics and researchers. 

• On 18 November 2025, Dr. Maria Aivalioti, Environmental Engineer, introduced pupils to key concepts related to sustainable textiles, the circular economy, and fast fashion, focusing on both scientific evidence and environmental impacts (White and Black Hats). [photo album] 
   
• On 3 December 2025, Dr. Apostolos Giannis, Associate Professor at the TUC School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, discussed textile waste management and explored how consumer habits and trends contribute to the problem (Yellow and Red Hats). [photo album] 
   
• On 14 January 2026, Dr. Georgios Arampatzis, Associate Professor at the TUC School of Production Engineering and Management, together with Alexandros Chachalis, presented the work of the TUC spin-off company Viridiance. In collaboration with RECYCOM and the University of Huddersfield, the team has developed technologies that transform textile waste into tiles and decorative materials, demonstrating practical applications of circular economy principles (Yellow Hat). [photo album]

The pupils’ sustainability journey will continue over the coming months, culminating in an educational visit to Mittweida University of Applied Sciences in March 2026, where they will meet pupils from Poland and Germany who are also participating in the Young Eco Heroes programme. All academics and researchers involved contributed to the Young Eco Heroes activities with great commitment and meaningful engagement with the pupils.