A world within a world – a world of eco-conferencing hidden in a world losing interest

A world within a world - a world of eco-conferencing hidden in a world losing interest

When I decided to sign up for the ecoworkshop, I knew it would broaden my horizons and have an impact on me, but I really didn’t imagine it would be that big. In half a year, I have greatly expanded my knowledge of environmentalism and conservation issues, and last weekend I attended an eco-conference with my “co-workshoppers” that incredibly exceeded my expectations.

When we got off at the train stop and it felt like we were somewhere we weren’t supposed to be, I never dreamed that one of the very best days of my life could be waiting for me behind the plain, uninviting walls. Upon entering the premises where the conference was to be held, I was left amazed at how open the whole environment felt to me and how I felt very comfortable there without the slightest problem. We were greeted by smiling volunteers at registration and after getting to know the environment a bit more, we got tattooed with graphically stunning, washable tattoos, thus linking our green thinking externally as well.

All the speakers motivated me a lot and I got the feeling that my interests can lead to a good idea, which can also take a real form and can positively influence many people if I am convinced that what I am doing makes sense. Every single speaker has been a living example of this. I probably became a lifelong fan of vegan cod during the coffee break and I think several conference attendees were similarly on the same page.

I can’t say which speaker spoke to me the most, because every single one of them left me with a thought that won’t let me leave things alone and reminds me that there are people in this world who are determined to change the world around them and that it’s not impossible.

During our lunch break we sampled the vegan lunch menu and I think it was a great success, with my sister telling me that she liked it and that I can’t make anything that good because she hadn’t voluntarily eaten anything like it before. The lunch also gave us a chance to share our views with other conference attendees and talk freely about what we all have in common.

The more interactive part after the lunch break also left a big impression on me, I especially liked the Eco-Olympics tasks, in which I scored a solid score, and I was completely immersed in the activity, during which we discussed specific areas in environmental science in groups. I met some interesting people in my team and together we came up with a result, which I was very amused by the subsequent public presentation.

When the whole conference was over, I normally didn’t want to go home. And what can I say when there was a bed waiting for me, which I had to leave too early in the morning because it was the weekend :). The whole day was excellent and the best part of it all was such a large number of inspiring people together, not only among the performers and organizers, but also among the participants. Thank you Planet Lover for the amazing opportunity!

Alexandra Spitzkopfová (septima) – Dolný Kubín, Age: 17
I come from Dolný Kubín and I study here at the P.O. Hviezdoslav Gymnasium. My hobbies are definitely foreign languages, especially German, but of course also environmental protection, because I am aware that I have two eyes and what I see I can hardly question. I like to try different things, to get to know new places and new people, probably like many inhabitants of this planet.