# Promoting Green Concepts and Environmental Awareness by a Recycling Expanded Polystyrene with Acetone Experiment and an Interactive Digital Tool

## TL;DR

This paper shows how a hands-on EPS recycling experiment with acetone and a digital tool can effectively teach green concepts and raise environmental awareness across different age groups.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating an effective educational approach combining a physical EPS recycling experiment with an interactive digital platform to promote environmental awareness.

## Key findings

- Participants across all age groups improved their understanding of EPS recycling and environmental issues after the workshop.
- Pre-university students lacked knowledge about specific plastics and recycling processes before the experiment.
- Participants found the workshop enjoyable, which enhanced their learning experience.

## Abstract

Recycling plastic waste is a major environmental challenge
that
requires educational initiatives to raise the awareness of and promote
sustainable practices. This work demonstrates the educational effectiveness
of a hands-on recycling experiment, supported by the interactive digital
tool Wooclap, in promoting environmental awareness and introducing
green concepts. To achieve this, a hands-on experiment recycling expanded
polystyrene (EPS) with acetone was conducted for three age groups:
(i) young children, (ii) high school students, and (iii) undergraduate
students. Initial and final tests on the Wooclap platform measured
the prior knowledge and learning outcomes of the participants. Additionally,
participants completed a satisfaction survey to evaluate their satisfaction
with the workshop and the knowledge gained. All groups recognized
plastic accumulation as a serious environmental issue, but many preuniversity
students were unfamiliar with basic green concepts, especially regarding
specific types of plastic and their recycling process. These observations
highlight the need for educational initiatives like that presented
in this work. All groups showed a strong grasp of the concepts related
to EPS recycling after the workshop, highlighting the effectiveness
of this educational experience. Additionally, participants found the
experience enjoyable, which had a positive effect on their learning.