ESTM projects, from Peniche, distinguished by the Eco-Schools program

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Two projects developed by students from the Leiria Polytechnic School of Tourism and Marine Technology (ESTM) in Peniche have been recognized by the international Eco-Schools program, run in Portugal by ABAAE – the Blue Flag Association for the Environment and Education. The award-winning initiatives address topics such as healthy eating and recycling, with creative proposals focused on raising awareness of sustainable practices within the academic community.

In the area of healthy eating, the project “Food Panel – Saturated or Unsaturated Fats”, developed by students in the 3rd year of the Food Engineering degree and the 1st year of the TeSP course in Digital Marketing in Tourism, sought to alert colleagues to the levels of fat present in foods commonly consumed throughout the day.

Using a 16-question questionnaire, students identified their five most-consumed foods, as well as their classmates' eating habits and patterns. After analyzing available brands, their nutritional composition, and their fat content, an information panel was created and subsequently displayed near the ESTM cafeteria, accompanied by infographic posters. This was the second consecutive year that the school received an award for this topic from Eco-Schools.

In the area of recycling and the circular economy, the project "EcoDesafios: O Jogo das Três Estações" (EcoChallenges: The Game of Three Seasons), created by first-year students of the TeSP course in Nature and Adventure Tourism Animation, won first place in the Geração Verdão 2024-25 challenge. The game was designed for higher education students (aged 18 to 23), promoting teamwork and knowledge of good environmental practices through three distinct stations: EcoLabirinto, EcoGlória, and EcoGincana.

The EcoLabirinto, built with reused cardboard boxes, offers recycling challenges with penalties for wrong answers. EcoGlória, inspired by the traditional game, uses wooden fruit crates and a giant die to advance through the houses, where participants answer questions about the environment. The challenge concludes with the EcoGincana, a team race in which waste must be correctly disposed of in the appropriate recycling bins.

Sérgio Leandro, director of ESTM, highlighted the recognition as a sign of the school's commitment to sustainability. "Sustainability is increasingly important, and the impact of our actions can make a difference. At ESTM, we intend to continue being an active voice, so it's a great honor to see our students' work and dedication recognized," he stated.

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