When plastic bags made me a revolutionary

Author: Anna Gumenyuk / Editor: Nicoleta Geru

I never thought I’d get emotional about a plastic bag. Yet there I was, at 17, standing in a room full of strangers from countries I could barely point to on a map, feeling weirdly passionate about polyethylene. That’s what happens when Europe gets hold of you – suddenly, you start caring about things you never knew you could care about.

Let me back up. My name’s Anna Gumenyuk, and I’m from Ukraine. Two years ago, I was your average teenager – scrolling through social media, complaining about homework, and blissfully unaware that my life was about to take a sharp turn into something much bigger than myself. All because I clicked “apply” on some random Erasmus+ project that promised an educational study visit abroad.

‘Wait, you all have different traditions?’

My first day at the youth exchange programme was a culture shock buffet. The Germans were incredibly punctual (like, impressively punctual). The Italians talked with their entire bodies. The Polish participants who could turn any conversation into something hilarious. And there I was, feeling like an alien who had landed on the wrong planet.

But here’s the interesting thing – by day three, I was sitting up until late with these same ‘strangers’, laughing until my stomach hurt while sharing stories about our homes and traditions. It turns out that when you put young people from different countries together, something special happens.

Not the kind of connection that adults write about in brochures. I’m talking about the real stuff – the sudden realisation that despite growing up thousands of kilometers apart, we shared the same anxieties about our futures, the same taste in music, and the same desire not to mess up the planet we’re inheriting.

The plastic rebellion begins

During one workshop, we had to create an environmental project. My team – a Georgian guy who could solve any maths problem in seconds, a Polish girl with the most contagious laugh, and a German who had strong opinions about sustainability – decided to tackle plastic waste.

What started as a workshop assignment turned into something that would actually change my life. We spent hours debating, planning, and occasionally disagreeing (the German was VERY passionate about proper waste separation). By the end, we had a real plan to reduce plastic in our communities.

When I returned home, I had two choices: forget everything and go back to my normal life, or try something bold. I chose bold.

My friends: ‘You want us to do WHAT?’

Picture trying to convince your friends to give up their Saturday to pick up other people’s rubbish. Now imagine doing this in Poltava, where community activism wasn’t exactly trending. Their initial reactions ranged from “Are you okay?” to “Did you join some kind of European programme?”

But somehow, I managed to recruit a small team. We started cleaning up local parks, asking businesses to reduce the use of plastic bags, and becoming those enthusiastic people who say “Actually, that could be recycled” at gatherings.

The first few months were challenging. One elderly man told us we should “focus on more important things”. A local business owner was sceptical of our ideas. My mum kept asking if this would “at least look good on my university application”.

But we kept going, fuelled by encouraging messages from my European friends who were doing similar things in their countries. It felt like we were part of something bigger – a continental movement of young people refusing to accept the status quo.

When your project becomes news

Then something unexpected happened. A local journalist covered our story. Then the municipal government called. Suddenly, people were taking us seriously. The business owner who was sceptical? He now has a “No Plastic Bags” sign on his door (and acts like it was his idea all along).

Our small initiative grew. Schools invited us to talk to students. Other young people joined. I found myself explaining microplastics to 8-year-olds who now probably dream about saving sea turtles.

But the real change was happening inside me. Before the Erasmus+ programme, I saw problems as just… problems. Things to complain about but ultimately accept. Now, I saw them as challenges waiting for someone determined enough to tackle them.

Europe: it’s not just about beautiful architecture and delicious food

Through the Young European Ambassadors network, I’ve since met hundreds of other young people doing similar things. A creative team in Ukraine fighting disinformation with digital campaigns. A passionate leader in Moldova creating urban gardens in abandoned lots. An innovative group in Armenia developing an app that connects elderly people with young volunteers.

These people have become my second family – the kind of family that sends you articles about environmental policy and expects you to be excited about it. (I am.)

What I’ve learned is that “European values” isn’t just formal language for officials in Brussels. It’s about believing that borders shouldn’t limit empathy. That diversity makes us stronger. That we can disagree passionately while still respecting one another. And that taking responsibility for our communities isn’t a burden – it’s genuinely the most empowering thing you can do.

Your turn (no pressure… okay, maybe some encouragement)

So here’s my invitation to you: Europe needs you. Not the perfect, got-it-all-figured-out version of you. The real you, with all your unique interests and perspectives.

Whether you care about climate change, digital rights, equality, or just making your neighbourhood more vibrant – there’s a place for you in programmes like Erasmus+ and networks like the YEAs. And trust me, if I could do it – someone who once accidentally set off the school fire alarm – you definitely can too.

You don’t need to start a revolution tomorrow. Maybe just check out the Erasmus+ website. Follow the YEAs on social media. Apply for that exchange programme that sounds interesting. Take that first small step.

Because here’s what they don’t tell you in the brochures: saying “yes” to Europe isn’t just about visiting new places or enhancing your resumé. It’s about finding your community. Your purpose. And maybe, just maybe, becoming the kind of person who gets genuinely excited about reducing plastic waste.

I’ll be waiting for you in our diverse, wonderful European family. 

We’ve got a spot saved just for you.