🌍 Introduction
This ESC volunteering project in the south of France offers a unique hands-on experience in circular economy and sustainable food production. The project transforms waste into value by using coffee grounds to grow mushrooms, creating a full eco-cycle from collection to production and reuse.
Volunteers become part of a cooperative initiative that combines environmental awareness, local production, and community engagement, contributing to real solutions for sustainable living.
📌 Activity Dates
7 April 2026 – 20 December 2026
📅 Application Deadline
5 April 2026
👥 Eligible Countries
🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czechia, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🧩 Activities & Methodology
🚲 Collecting coffee waste from cafés and restaurants
🍄 Growing oyster mushrooms using mycelium
🌱 Monitoring growth, harvesting, and preparing products
🛍️ Selling products at local markets
♻️ Reusing organic waste for compost and soil enrichment
📢 Supporting communication, workshops, and eco-events
🎯 Objectives
🌍 Promote circular economy and sustainable practices
♻️ Reduce waste through innovative reuse systems
🌱 Support local organic production and community initiatives
🚀 Develop practical skills in sustainability and eco-projects
🌍 Why This Volunteering
🍄 Unique experience combining ecology and food production
🚲 Active outdoor work with visible real-life impact
🌱 Learn sustainable systems from start to finish
🏠 Accommodation & Food
🏡 Shared apartment in Carcassonne city center
🍽️ Food budget provided (focus on local and seasonal products)
🧹 Shared responsibilities for cooking and cleaning
💸 Financial Conditions
💶 Fully funded ESC project
✈️ Travel
✈️ Travel costs covered according to ESC rules
🛬 Arrival & Departure
📍 Carcassonne, France
🎓 Certification
📜 Youthpass certificate provided
♿ Accessibility
📍 Not specified
✅ Participant Profile
🌱 Strong interest in sustainability and circular economy
🍄 Motivated to learn mushroom cultivation
💪 Ready for routine and hands-on work
🎨 Open to creativity and new project ideas
🤝 Team-oriented and proactive
🗣️ Working Language
🇬🇧 English (French is a plus)
📝 Application Method
📧 Send CV via email to start the selection process
📎 Application Link
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/50534_en
📎 Additional Information
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
