On the module ‘Change and Intervention via Communication', the communication students from Aalborg University solve concrete problems faced by companies. Many of these cases are about sustainability and circular economy. In this context, the students draw on their knowledge of the importance of communication in different contexts and approaches to changing processes.

A Solution to Get Adolescents to Sort Waste

Change Ambassadors Motivate Adolescents to Sort Waste

A group of students in the field of communication has, in collaboration with the School Information Service at Aalborg Utilities, found a solution to make adolescents aged 16-20 more interested in sorting their waste. The students developed a concept they call Change Ambassadors. With this project, the students found new paths towards green transition. The typical form of appeal in the climate debate is emotion, but in this case, the key word is action. In the project, the students formed a targeted plan that involves energetic adolescents who take the climate issue in their own hands and influence other adolescents to act.

Based on the theory of emotional types, the students came up with a fundamentally new view of how adolescents in the age range are motivated to sort their waste. The idea is to get chosen active pupils at junior high schools to participate in a course and become part of a network, with the aim of introducing waste sorting at their respective junior high schools.

To motivate the students into participating in the concept, they are certified as a change ambassador, which they can attach to their CV - as the energetic type is motivated by honours.