As a final-year student in the European and Global Studies master’s program at the University of Padua, doing an internship at Smart Revolution, I am submitting this proposal to present both my practical and theoretical knowledge related to the SDGs in a pilot. 

An unsustainable urban food system results in wastage of food, mainly at the household or consumer level, food inequity and food insecurity, and unhealthier communities.

Vimini hopes to empower individuals so that they become more conscious and knowledgeable consumers, and to bring people together and to inspirit them for a more sustainable food system, especially in an urban setting, so that our communities can grow green. Vimini will offer educational and interactive workshops which will offer in collaboration with various local farms, endorse ecological solidarity and creating sense of community and champion the farm-to-table philosophy, targeted to people interested in furthering their knowledge of sustainable consumption and their role in the food system.

Challenge

How to reduce organic waste and foster the sense of community? 

Focus on the following SDGs:

• SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities:  Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, aiming to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency.
• SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production: Enhancing education, awareness, and institutional capacity on climate change with workshops and events.
• SDG 13 Climate Action: Contributing to the goal of sustainable cities and communities by improving quality of life and accessibility in urban areas

Target Groups:

• Individuals looking to consume more organic and local products
• Local business owners/ farmers looking to sell their homemade or artisanal products
• Individuals who are interested in home gardening/ urban agriculture
• Individuals who are concerned about the environment/ sustainable goals
• Local Government (Comune di Padova)

Solution

• Sell home gardening kits on a subscription basis.
• Facilitating the sale of homemade/ homegrown goods/produce, and networking
• Hold workshops, both paid and free, to educate about agriculture and sustainability
• Host social events in urban gardens to promote their use and importance
• Support the farm-to-fork strategy

Innovation

Vimini will foster innopreneurial competence (entrepreneurial and innovative skills) among participants by integrating sustainability education with practical entrepreneurial activities. One of the key ways how will achieve this is through the provision of home gardening kits. These kits are not only tools for promoting sustainable practices at home but also serve as a means to combine the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with entrepreneurial thinking. These kits will enable participants to start their own gardens at home, thus directly engaging in sustainable food production. By doing so, participants will not only learn about sustainability but also experience the entrepreneurial process firsthand. They will understand how to manage resources, innovate solutions for urban gardening, and potentially develop small-scale, sustainable business ideas based on their gardening experiences.

The integration of home gardening kits into project is a key innovation. It bridges the gap between sustainability education and entrepreneurial action, making the learning process dynamic and impactful. Participants will be encouraged to experiment, share their progress, and come up with innovative ideas to improve their gardening practices. This experiential learning approach will nurture their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Impact
The project equips participants with essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. By focusing on sustainability and entrepreneurship, VIMINI prepares individuals to address future challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving green economy.

This student project is submitted through:
Smart Revolution.