The project is based on a synergy between services that aims to develop a model of action that takes socio-cultural and environmental aspects into consideration. This model is based on the idea that language and culture can be tools to achieve a common interest, namely the reduction of single use plastic consumption and an increase in the recyclability rate of waste.
LANGUAGE AND INTERCULTURAL MEDIATION
The project wants to use language and intercultural mediation to allow the targeted restaurant business owners to overcome possible obstacles towards sustainable choices and to increase their willingness and ability to comply with the European Single Use Plastics Directive, which bans the use of certain single use plastic products. At the same time, the project promotes some good practices in relation to the purchase of sustainable alternatives to these products, which are necessary for the activities of the restaurants.
MONITORING AND ENGAGEMENT
A strict monitoring phase is a fundamental part of our strategy. Follow-up interviews will be held to collect data and feedback after the proposed testing of products and practices. Data collection will be carried out both through quantitative and qualitative analysis and through a high level of engagement of the targeted restaurant businesses. This level of engagement promotes active participation of restaurant owners, who can become agents of change themselves, during and after the project.
MULTIACTORIALITY
The project is based on the collaboration of a variety of actors, who guarantee the presence of all the necessary competences and skills to achieve our objectives. Our partners include language and intercultural mediation professionals who are active in Bergamo, Brescia and Milan, the territories that fall under the scope of the project: the RUAH cooperative, the ADL a Zavidovici association and the Department of Language Mediation and Intercultural Communication of the University of Milan. Also, we partnered with the companies responsible for the collection of waste generated by restaurant businesses (Amsa, Aprica). The project is funded by Fondazione Cariplo through the Plastic Challenge 2020 call, and by Novamont, leading company in the compostable bioplastics sector.
