In February 2023, youth workers from all over Europe gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, to take part in an Erasmus+ project titled “Target ZERO: Creating Responsible Enterprise.” The training brought together passionate young professionals with one shared mission—to discover new ways to promote green entrepreneurship and build sustainable communities. Hosted as a response to rising environmental challenges around the world, this project gave participants the tools and knowledge they needed to support the creation of eco-friendly business ideas and to lead positive environmental change in their home countries. Representing Germany, a youth worker from Copernicus Berlin e.V. joined this experience with a strong motivation to learn, grow, and bring back ideas that could work in local communities.
In Germany, environmental awareness is high, but daily habits often do not reflect sustainable values. While larger cities like Berlin have many green businesses and government-supported projects, smaller communities and some groups of young people still feel disconnected from the sustainability movement. Fast fashion, overconsumption, and plastic use continue to be visible problems, especially in neighborhoods with less access to eco-friendly education. Many young people are interested in making a change, but they don’t always know how to start or where to find support. Before attending “Target ZERO,” the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin saw that there was a gap between knowledge and action. Young people wanted to help the environment, but they needed inspiration, guidance, and a safe space to explore their ideas without fear of failure.
The project in Benalmádena was built exactly for that purpose. It provided a dynamic space where participants could learn about sustainability through real-life stories, interactive exercises, and cultural exchange. One of the most eye-opening moments during the training was visiting local enterprises that successfully combined profit with purpose. A small shop selling natural cosmetics explained how they sourced all ingredients locally, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local economy. Another inspiring example was a beach-cleaning initiative that turned collected waste into art products and reusable items. These visits showed how small actions, when repeated and shared, could lead to real change over time.
The training also offered tools for designing green businesses from the ground up. Participants explored how to identify market opportunities that align with sustainability, how to build partnerships with other stakeholders, and how to apply non-formal education to inspire young minds. For the youth worker from Germany, it was the first time they saw how education, business, and environmental values could work so well together. The sessions used energizers, games, and storytelling to keep everyone involved, and the cultural exchange between participants helped bring different ideas and perspectives to the table. The group also discussed common environmental challenges and solutions that could be adapted to their own countries. This gave everyone a deeper understanding of the global nature of the problem and the shared responsibility of solving it.
After coming back to Berlin, the youth worker felt a strong desire to take action. Inspired by the program, they began working on a project called “Green Start Berlin.” This initiative aimed to create a space where local young people could learn how to turn eco-friendly ideas into real projects. In cooperation with Copernicus Berlin e.V., the youth worker organized a series of workshops that combined environmental education with basic business skills. These workshops welcomed participants from different cultural backgrounds, including recent immigrants and refugees, and focused on helping them build sustainable start-up concepts. The goal was to show that anyone, regardless of their past or economic situation, could become a green entrepreneur and make a positive difference.
The workshops included practical sessions on upcycling, reducing household waste, and designing low-budget eco-products. Participants were encouraged to work in teams and present their ideas during a final “green pitch” event. Some groups proposed community gardens using empty public spaces, while others suggested mobile refill stations for cleaning products in low-income areas. The creativity and motivation were impressive. Many of these ideas were simple, but they responded to real problems and could be started without a large budget.
The local impact of “Green Start Berlin” was quickly visible. Young people who joined the program started talking more confidently about environmental issues and even began changing their habits at home. One participant shared that they stopped buying bottled water after learning about plastic pollution. Another began selling handmade soaps using natural ingredients and eco-packaging at local markets. Schools and youth centers showed interest in hosting future workshops, and some local businesses offered support in the form of materials or mentorship. The project also received positive attention from the local municipality, which saw it as a fresh and inclusive approach to sustainability education.
In a larger sense, the experience helped Copernicus Berlin e.V. understand the importance of combining sustainability with entrepreneurship. Green ideas need not only passion but also structure and visibility. Through this initiative, the organization could build stronger networks with other NGOs, schools, and decision-makers. The materials and methods used during the training in Benalmádena were adapted and improved for future programs. In this way, the legacy of the Erasmus+ project continued to grow, reaching new audiences and inspiring more people.
Looking ahead, the youth worker from Germany believes that this is only the beginning of a much bigger journey. The fight for a sustainable future is not a one-time action—it is a long process of learning, sharing, and building together. Youth are at the heart of this process. They are not only the future, but also the present, and they need support to become leaders of change. International programs like “Target ZERO” show that change is possible when young people from different countries come together, share their experiences, and return home with renewed hope and direction. In a world where environmental problems continue to grow, initiatives like these give strength and courage to those who want to act. Through small local actions, big transformations can begin.