Penultimate workshop of Eco Patrol – “Plant a plant, produce oxygen”, “Mixing tomato sauce”.

The penultimate Argonauta Eco Patrol workshop at the Vodice Elementary School was held on June 7, 2025.

The activity entitled “Mixing tomato sauce” was conducted with the aim of developing a deeper understanding among participants about the global economic imbalance, the food production chain and the fair distribution of profits among the different actors in that chain. The activity lasted 90 minutes and included seven phases that gradually guided participants through a simulation of the production and sales process of a can of pelati.

The participants were divided into four groups representing small farmers, processors, traders and supermarkets. Each group received a card with a description of their role and the task of thinking about how they felt in that role, what problems and advantages they faced and what they thought they deserved in the total selling price of the product, which was 1.50 euros.

In the first phase of the discussion, small farmers proposed that their share should be 0.35 euros, considering that their role involves hard work and high costs, but also limited influence on the final price. Traders made an initial proposal of 0.45 euros, assessing their work and logistics costs as significant. Processors asked for the highest share – 1 euro, highlighting the high costs of equipment, energy and labor. Supermarkets proposed a share of 0.75 euros, believing that they deserved a higher percentage due to contact with customers and market risk.

During the negotiation phase, the groups had the opportunity to argue their positions and negotiate with each other to reach a consensus. Farmers managed to raise their share to 0.50 euros in the negotiations, emphasizing the weight and importance of their work. Traders realized that their initial amount was too high compared to others and lowered their share to 0.35 euros. Under pressure from other groups and in a bid to reach an agreement, processors lowered their share from 1 euro to 0.45 euros. The biggest drop occurred with supermarkets, which, after discussions and recognition of the disproportionality, agreed to a share of only 0.20 euros.

After the new agreed values ​​were entered into a common table, the “real” share of individual actors in the production chain according to research by Oxfam was revealed. This phase caused many emotions among the participants. Many were surprised and shocked by the real data, especially the large differences between the work and the real profit that individual groups make.

The final reflection allowed the participants to express their impressions and reflections on their own roles. Farmers often highlighted a feeling of undervaluation, but also satisfaction that they had managed to increase their share through argumentation. Processors faced an internal conflict between their own image of importance and the reality of the market. The traders admitted that they did not expect their initial price to be perceived as unrealistic, while supermarket representatives openly spoke about their feelings of discomfort at the drop to just 0.20 euros.

The entire activity proved to be a very effective method for encouraging critical thinking, developing empathy and understanding the complexity of global trade. The participants developed important knowledge about the uneven distribution of profits and the role of negotiations in economic processes. They also highlighted the importance of solidarity among participants in the production chain and the need for changes that would enable a fairer and more equitable distribution of income.

The houseplant planting workshop was held as part of activities aimed at developing environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable behavior among students. During the workshop, students reused paper cups that were previously used for drinking and turned them into pots for planting houseplants (lat. Sempervivum), known for their resilience and symbolism of home protection.

The workshop began with a short introduction about the importance of reusing materials and reducing waste. The activity leader emphasized how simple steps, such as reusing paper cups, can contribute to preserving the environment and developing environmentally responsible behavior.

After the introduction, the “patrols” received houseplant seedlings, soil, and their used paper cups. Each cup had previously been cleaned and prepared for planting. The “patrols” carefully filled the cups with soil, planted the plants, and watered them lightly. In addition to learning about the basic steps of planting, they also had the opportunity to discuss the symbolism of the house guard in tradition and folk beliefs, where it is considered a plant that protects the home and brings good luck.

The students showed great interest and enthusiasm during the activity. Many expressed a desire to take the plant home and continue to care for it. The activity also served as an excellent example of how everyday objects, which would otherwise end up in the trash, can be repurposed and become useful for new purposes.

The house guard planting workshop successfully fulfilled its goals – it encouraged environmental awareness, practical work and personal responsibility among students, but also left a lasting, green mark on their daily habits.

This is how we conducted the penultimate Eco Patrol workshop in this school year. During a total of seven meetings, the students diligently participated, learned through experience, developed environmental awareness and mutual cooperation. Through various topics and activities, they showed great interest and responsibility, and their satisfaction and positive impressions are the best confirmation of the success of this program. Now they are looking forward to the last workshop, which will be held in the Kornati National Park, as a well-deserved reward for their effort and participation. We thank all participants for their engagement and look forward to new eco-challenges in the next school year!

The project leader is the Association for the Protection of Nature and the Environment and the Promotion of Sustainable Development of Argonauta, and the project partners are the Municipality of Murter-Kornati; Elementary School Vodice; Kindergarten Spužvica, Tisno; Center for Education and Training Šubićevac Šibenik; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb; Association Kamenčići Šibenik; Public Institution NP Kornati; Association for Assistance to Persons with Intellectual Disabilities “Latice”; Center for Education and Training “Juraj Bonači”, Split. The project is co-financed by the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.