About us

Since the end of 2018, we have been implementing an environmental policy in the organization. The guidelines set out in this policy are followed during the organization's events, project implementation and general activities of the organization. Members of the organization are also encouraged to follow the environmental policy implemented in the organization, not only inside the organization, but also outside it in everyday life. The policy of an environmentally and socially responsible organization consists of three parts: the principles followed during the implementation of events and projects (travel and activities); the principles followed in the normal course of business; principles that members of the organization are encouraged to follow in shaping their lifestyles.

Implementation of events and projects:

Travel: "Unique Projects" supports sustainable, environmentally friendly travel. Therefore, we recommend that participants follow the following principles for traveling to events or projects:

- give priority to travel by bus or train, if possible. This is a more environmentally friendly (though not so fast) way to travel than flying. If the project takes place in a neighboring country or comes from a neighboring country, there is a very high probability that an environmentally friendly trip is possible. Also, travel by bus or train is strongly encouraged from countries such as Estonia, the Czech Republic, etc., which are also not far away and have direct bus / train routes;

- air travel is a particularly environmentally harmful way of traveling. If it is not possible to arrive by bus or train, you can choose a direct flight with environmentally friendly airlines (eg: Easyjet, Air Berlin, Air Baltic). If there is no direct flight to the project site, it is recommended to end the trip by train, bus or other environmentally friendly means of travel (eg by bus from Riga or Warsaw airports);

- before booking a direct flight, please check that it meets the climate efficiency criteria. On the Atmosfair website, you can find an airline index based on the climate impact of short and medium-haul flights. Please check the index before booking a flight here. We recommend choosing only those flights that have an A, B or at least C rating for short / medium distance flights, respectively. So,We recommend choosing only those flights that have an A, B or at least C rating for short / medium distance flights, respectively.

Course of activities:

- during the implementation of events or project activities, is sorted responsibly in accordance with the sorting rules of the country in which the activity takes place. For the activities taking place in Lithuania, Unique Projects introduces "Green Dot" sorting boxes into its activities, into which the sorted waste is later handed over for recycling. If it is not possible to deliver the boxes, 4 bags are separated and recorded, in which waste (household, plastic and metal, paper, glass) is sorted according to analogous rules. Both foreign and Lithuanian participants are introduced / reminded of the main sorting principles and the most common mistakes (eg: that beverage packaging is not discarded together with liquids, plastic packaging together with food residues, and greasy paper is not disposed of in a paper container);

- the results created during the activities (for example: posters), prototypes and other materials are stored for at least 3 years after the end of the project (depending on the scope of the project). At the end of this period, the materials are sorted and recycled;

- disposable plates or cups are not used in the projects among the project participants during the activities. The organization takes care of reusable cups and plates that are used during coffee breaks and other activities. The use of disposable tools or cups is subject to partial exemptions for open events and takeaway food;

- the amount of materials used during the activities is optimized. Materials and forms that can be used and completed electronically shall not be printed. This includes presentation material, brochures that participants can view by downloading to a phone or computer, evaluation forms, travel ticket information, and more. The materials are used in cases where participants need a tangible form to unleash their creativity (cutting, gluing, gluing, creating collages, posters, prototypes). The results of these activities are handled in the manner described above, stored, sorted and recycled, if possible, reused beforehand;

- the tools or products purchased for the activities are procured according to their origin and environmental friendliness. Preference is given to larger snack packs, beverages, bulk fruit, stationery made of recycled paper or plastic.

Execution of ordinary activities:

- the organisation's ordinary activities and financial documents are stored in electronic and paper format (stocks) and stored for 10 years from their date in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania. At the end of the specified storage period, the documents are shredded and returned for processing;

- the organization strives to implement an event, an initiative related to environmental sustainability and responsible consumption at least once a year;

- the organization shares environmental initiatives organized by other organizations through its publicity tools;

- website and Facebook account, invites other local residents and members of its organization to join these events and initiatives, all materials used in the organization's activities are sorted and recycled;

- the normal activities of the organization also follow the principles for the implementation of the above - mentioned events and project activities.

Principles of environmental protection of the members of the organization inside and outside the organization:

Each member becomes a member of the association of his own free will. Environmental policy is also based on free will and volunteering. However, if you have already become a member of the organization, we strongly encourage you to be environmentally and socially responsible and to follow the following principles (or at least part of them):

- to actively participate and join not only "Unique Projects" but also other organizations and initiatives organized by other organizations related to the environment and its management, sustainability (eg "Let's do it", "Car - free day", tree planting campaign, etc.);

- sort waste responsibly and encourage those around them to do so;

- to implement the principles of responsible consumption in one's lifestyle, to conserve environmental resources and not to waste them unnecessarily. This includes:

• not to unnecessarily print documents that are also valid in electronic format;

• print on both sides of the paper;

• use reusable bags and cups;

• use and save water and energy (heat) responsibly in your household;

• reduce plastic consumption (for example: choose products with larger packaging instead of products that are packaged in smaller quantities);

• do not use disposable tools, plastic straws, cups (this includes coffee takeaway areas where you can serve your reusable cup);

• choose environmentally friendly products (for example: products made of natural materials; T-shirts made of organic cotton, recycled plastic, etc.);

• use cosmetics that are not tested on animals;

• not to buy or wear fur;

• to abandon meat at least once a week and replace it with food of plant origin (growing food of plant origin uses less natural and environmental resources than products of animal origin);

• maintaining a 'second-hand' culture - reselling, exchanging or passing on end-of-life items and clothing to others, thus saving environmental resources.