Within the framework of Task 4.4 – SEA-EU Goes Greener and Work Package 5 – Bridging the Gap with Society, the University of Algarve (UAlg) is strengthening its commitment to sustainability and community engagement through the integration of a local circular economy initiative into the activities of the European University of the Seas – SEA-EU.
Created in 2020, Trocas em Faro is a community-based project promoting reuse, responsible consumption and solidarity. Through regular exchange events, participants are invited to swap clothes, shoes, books and accessories, extending the life cycle of everyday items and encouraging more sustainable lifestyles.
By becoming part of the SEA-EU framework at UAlg, the initiative gains an institutional dimension that reinforces the Alliance’s environmental priorities while fostering stronger connections between academia and the wider community. The project reflects SEA-EU’s ambition to contribute actively to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of responsible consumption, sustainability awareness and social responsibility.
The exchange event now takes place at the University of Algarve (Penha Campus, Faro) and follows a simple and inclusive model: participants may bring up to ten seasonal items in good condition and receive a token for each item delivered. These tokens can then be used to select the same number of items from those available. Unused tokens remain valid for future editions.
A minimum contribution of €1 is requested, with donations supporting local associations or community projects, which are announced through the initiative’s social media channels.
The first edition hosted at the University of Algarve will take place on 21 February, marking an important step in consolidating a more sustainable, participatory and socially engaged university within the SEA-EU Alliance.
