"Unpack Your Habits". Exploring individual consumption habits

For one week, the quiet town of Druskininkai turned into a meeting place for young people from Lithuania, Romania, Estonia, Greece, Turkey, and Portugal. They came together for Unpack Your Habits - a youth exchange dedicated to exploring how our daily choices around food and waste shape the world we live in.

The week began with introductions and shared stories. Participants spoke about their expectations, fears, and what sustainability means to them. As conversations unfolded, a sense of connection grew among the group. Everyone brought a different experience, yet all were driven by curiosity and a desire to live more consciously.

Over the following days, the discussions deepened. Participants explored sustainability through its environmental, social, and economic aspects. They examined how food systems operate and took part in a simulation of a local food economy. Through this experience, they saw how individual decisions influence larger systems and how cooperation can strengthen them.

Midweek sessions focused on the scales of food distribution and their impact on fairness and accessibility. Another workshop introduced the topic of greenwashing and how companies use it to appear environmentally responsible. The activities sparked active debate and encouraged participants to think critically about the information they encounter every day.

One day was dedicated to discovering Druskininkai itself. Guided by Lilijana, the group learned about the city’s sustainable practices and how local communities integrate them into daily life. The walk through the town offered practical examples of how sustainability can take shape on the ground.

Later in the week, participants explored traditional ecological knowledge — ways of living that have been passed down through generations. These discussions highlighted how long-standing traditions can teach balance and respect for nature. The final sessions focused on waste management, brainstorming realistic ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

By the end of the exchange, the participants had gained knowledge, shared laughter, and formed new friendships. Unpack Your Habits became a space for reflection and action, showing that meaningful change often begins with small, consistent choices.

How did the week go?

Our wonderful participants share their experiences and what they learned during one week youth exchange Unpack Your Habits in a wonderful city of Druskininkai.