FROM WASTE TO RESOURCES: OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 

This recognition highlights our institute’s pioneering approach to embedding circular-economy principles into vocational education. By transforming organic residues from our school gardens into valuable learning materials, we foster hands-on experimentation and instill a resource-saving mindset in future horticulture and gardening professionals. Our project now competes alongside IES Escultor Juande Villanueva (Siero, Spain) and Afyon Kocatepe University (Afyonkarahisar, Turkey).

The winners will be revealed on 12 June 2025 during the EWWR Awards Ceremony in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, where each category’s top initiative will receive a creative, circular trophy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our students, teaching staff, and partners for their dedication and invite the entire community to join us in celebrating this achievement.

For the full list of 2024 finalists and more details on our nomination, please visit:
https://ewwr.eu/the-european-week-for-waste-reduction-jury-selects-the-finalists-of-the-2024-edition/

OUR IMPACT: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, INTO THE REAL WORLD 

We didn’t stop at classroom experiments. Our project has gained national and scientific recognition, inspiring others to replicate and expand these sustainable solutions.

✔ Nearly a hundred kilograms of fruit trees and vegetables were saved from waste using potassium soap and natural fertilizers, demonstrating sustainable agriculture practices. These solutions have been successfully applied in the fields of our center, where they continue to improve soil quality and crop protection. Several teachers and students with farmland have taken the potassium soap solution to apply it in their own crops, reinforcing its practicality and effectiveness beyond the classroom. Additionally, the solution has been distributed to local farmers, offering them a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides while strengthening community engagement in circular economy practices.
✔ Safe, toxic-free alternatives created with medicinal ointments and mosquito repellents, ensuring well-being without chemical exposure.

✔ Medicinal creams made from aromatic herbs, using locally sourced plants such as rosemary, thyme, and chamomile, offering natural skin care solutions free from synthetic additives. These products were not only used within the school community but were also gifted to professionals at the CaixaBank Dualiza sustainability presentation in Madrid, further showcasing the real-world impact of our project.

✔ Eggshell-based calcium bombs developed to enrich soil and support plant health. By transforming food waste into a slow-release fertilizer, we provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical soil enhancers. This simple yet effective solution has been tested in our school gardens and shared with students, farmers, and educators, reinforcing sustainable agricultural practices.

✔ Engaged over 2,500 participants, including students, families, and professionals, spreading awareness and knowledge.

EXPERIENCE OUR WORK! 

WHAT HAVE WE DONE?

Our actions have transformed waste into valuable resources, preventing the waste of hundreds of kilograms of fruit trees and vegetables. Some of the most notable practices include:

✔ Transformation of food waste into natural fertilizers, with eggshells converted into calcium-release bombs for the soil.
✔ Sustainable soil bioremediation, using natural extracts such as horsetail and coffee grounds to improve soil quality.
✔ Eco-friendly pest control, with potassium soap made from recycled cooking oil, reducing the use of chemical pesticides.
✔ Production of natural mosquito repellents, utilizing spices that have lost their commercial value.
✔ Creation of medicinal ointments, repurposing pruned herbs to make creams with therapeutic properties.
✔ Development of an interactive exhibition, featuring videos, educational panels, and live demonstrations to raise awareness in the community.

📌 Want to explore our activities? Check out the detailed activity sheets in English and Catalan

PREPARATION OF HERBAL CREAM WITH MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS – Antitussive Ointment

This workshop was featured at the Fira FP Dual, where students demonstrated the process of making a natural antitussive ointment using medicinal plant extracts.

The ointment was also prepared as a special Christmas gift for all the teachers at our center, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and self-care with natural products.

Additionally, it was offered as a gift to the speakers at the CaixaBank Dualiza sustainability presentation in Madrid, highlighting the project’s innovative approach and practical application.

This work was further presented at the 13th Catalonia Chemistry Teaching Conference, where it was shared both as a scientific article and a video demonstration, emphasizing the educational value and real-world impact of integrating chemistry with sustainability.

FROM FOOD WASTE TO AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE – Calcium Bombs

PREPARATION OF REPELLENT WITH MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS – Mosquito Repellent

SUSTAINABLE BIOREMEDIATION: SOIL OPTIMIZATION WITH NATURAL ADDITIVES – Fertilizers

PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF A NATURAL PEST REPELLENT – Potassium Soap

Natural pest control with Potassium Soap: A traditional yet effective solution

As part of our sustainable pest control strategy, our students and faculty produced and distributed potassium soap as a natural and effective alternative to chemical pesticides. This eco-friendly remedy, widely used in organic farming, has been provided to teachers, students, and local farmers, along with detailed dosing guidelines to combat specific pests.

✔ Targeted Pest Control: The potassium soap solution has been applied to fruit trees and vegetable crops, successfully controlling Nigrilla (sooty mold), aphids, and ants without harming beneficial insects or the surrounding ecosystem.

✔ Enhanced Natural Effect: The impact of potassium soap is further boosted when combined with botanical infusions of Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Syzygium aromaticum (clove), and Illicium verum (star anise). These plant extracts contain potent natural compounds that enhance the soap’s ability to deter pests while providing antifungal and antibacterial benefits, helping plants recover faster.

✔ A Sustainable and Accessible Alternative: By utilizing recycled cooking oil as a base, this solution reduces waste while offering an economical and eco-friendly approach to plant protection. Unlike synthetic pesticides, potassium soap leaves no toxic residues, making it safe for humans, wildlife, and pollinators.

This initiative supports local agricultural sustainability while highlighting the value of traditional, science-backed natural remedies. By equipping our educational community with practical knowledge and hands-on experience, we are helping to expand sustainable farming practices beyond our institution. 

Impact and Visibility of the “From Waste to Resources” Project

During the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR24), we developed a range of hands-on activities to promote sustainability and environmental education within our institution and beyond. One of the standout initiatives was our interactive exhibition “From Waste to Resources”, showcasing innovative waste transformation practices such as:

• Eggshell-based calcium bombs as natural fertilizers.

• Potassium soap production for eco-friendly pest control.

• Medicinal ointments made from locally sourced pruning herbs.

The exhibition, held in the main hall of the center, featured visual displays, videos, and live demonstrations, encouraging active participation from students, teachers, and families. In addition, our outreach efforts extended to social media platforms, generating significant engagement and interactions, with users commenting, sharing, and expressing interest in replicating our initiatives. Furthermore, the project was documented on our educational blog and presented at the 13th Catalonia Chemistry Teaching Conference, reinforcing its scientific and educational value.

Strong Community Engagement and Expansion Plans

The impact of our project goes beyond EWWR24, as we have already received multiple requests for future workshops from different groups in the city:

✔ Starting in April 2025, we will launch a series of in-person workshops for active seniors (Silver Program, 60+ years old) to promote sustainable waste management practices at home.
✔ We are also preparing online workshops for initial vocational training students, expanding our educational reach and reinforcing our commitment to integrating sustainability into formal education.

Visibility and Communication Strategy

The project’s visibility has significantly increased through a well-structured communication strategy that integrates both traditional and digital channels. The interactive exhibition attracted over 300 visitors during EWWR24 and reached a broader audience through our blog and social media presence.

Moreover, our participation in major events has amplified the project’s impact:

✔ Presented at the 13th Catalonia Chemistry Teaching Conference, where it was featured in a scientific article and video demonstration, highlighting the connection between chemistry and sustainability.
✔ Showcased at the national sustainability strategy presentation by CaixaBank Dualiza in Madrid, positioning vocational training as a key driver of environmental transformation.
✔ Expanding to civic centers, schools, and community events, ensuring continued outreach and engagement.

Innovative and Exemplary Circular Economy Model

This project stands out for its originality, transforming everyday organic waste—such as eggshells, coffee grounds, and surplus spices—into valuable resources like natural fertilizers, medicinal ointments, and eco-friendly pest repellents. These sustainable practices not only reduce waste but also serve as real-world applications of the circular economy within educational and community settings.

The integration of greenhouses and laboratories within our institution has created a unique synergy, turning them into models that can be replicated in other centers and communities.

Sustained Impact and Long-Term Commitment

The long-term impact of this project is reinforced by its scalability and replicability. Each practice has been thoroughly documented, allowing for local and international replication.

Additionally, our collaboration with Aigües de Reus through the ChlorellaNet Tech project ensures sustainability and further development, integrating wastewater reuse and innovative technologies into our practices.

The “From Waste to Resources” exhibition will continue to travel to civic centers and schools, further extending the reach of this initiative and solidifying its role as a model for waste prevention and environmental education.

🌱 Transforming waste into opportunity—because sustainability is a shared responsibility.

Images, News, and Videos

Here you will find photos, news articles, and videos showcasing the impact of our “From Waste to Resources” project. These materials highlight the hands-on activities, exhibitions, and presentations that have extended our initiative beyond the classroom and into the broader community.

📸 Images – Capturing key moments from workshops, exhibitions, and sustainability fairs.
📰 News articles – Featuring our project in local and national media, educational conferences, and sustainability events.
🎥 Videos – Showcasing our practical demonstrations, student involvement, and real-world applications of circular economy practices.

INSTITUT D'HORTICULTURA I JARDINERIA DE REUS- Who We Are

The Institut d’Horticultura i Jardineria de Reus is a public educational institution that is part of the network of schools under the Department of Education of the Government of Catalonia. With a history spanning over 50 years, the institute is deeply connected to its natural and social environment, offering comprehensive and high-quality training in the fields of gardening, agriculture, and environmental health. Our educational project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation, aligning with the needs of the Camp de Tarragona region and the Catalan productive sector.

Our History

Founded in 1970, the Institut d’Horticultura i Jardineria de Reus was established in response to the growing demand for specialized training in gardening and agriculture in the Baix Camp region. Over time, the institute expanded its training programs to include studies in chemistry, environmental health, and occupational risk prevention, adapting to the changing job market and promoting an interdisciplinary approach to education.

Our Community

Today, the institute is home to an educational community of more than 350 students, 33 teachers, and a dedicated team of administrative and support staff, all working together to train the next generation of professionals in sustainable environmental management.