My name is Meivis Struga and I am an environmental engineer. I graduated from the Polytechnic University of Tirana and also studied at the Erasmus University Rotterdam for Urban Management and Development.  

For almost 10 years I have been working in various projects on environment protection. The focus of my commitments, has been the promotion of renewable energy, climate change, the use of natural resources and the circular economy. 

Lately I am fully devoted to Ekofungi, a promising new start-up in Albania, created by young environmental specialists aiming to establish a BioLab in rural areas of Tirana for mushroom production. Based on circular economy and sustainable development concepts, the initiative tackles two critical issues: youth employment in rural regions and the underutilization of organic waste. Ekofungi cultivates mushrooms in an innovative, low-impact way by using leftovers from agriculture, like straw and wood waste, as substrate. These materials, which are frequently thrown away improperly or burnt, end up in landfills or waterways, are now reused to grow food and then utilised as natural fertilisers, thereby finishing the resource cycle. This concept promotes cleaner ecosystems, lower emissions, and better soil health. 

Here are my top tips on agriculture wastes    

• From footprints to profits – Currently, most of agricultural waste is misused, leaving behind a high environmental footprint. Now we know how to turn these footprints into profits. Straw and other crop residues can be reused as substrates instead of being burnt or dumped.  
• Don’t throw olive oil waste, transform it- Waste from olive oil production, like branches or pulp, can be reused to grow specific mushroom varieties like Shiitake. By utilizing materials such as repurposing olive oil mill waste and olive oil branches (from olive oil companies), as substrates for mushroom cultivation, we promote sustainable resource management and produce bio-based material for agricultural use.  
• Turn traditional habits into green innovation- Albania’s love for coffee produces a lot of organic waste. Ekofungi shows how even national habits can fuel circular ideas. Combining used coffee grounds with straw creates a nutrient-rich base for mushroom cultivation. So, on one side, we have efficient use of coffee and we reduce the amount of waste and on the other, we grow mushrooms. 
• Reuse rural waste, don’t pollute- Instead of throwing organic waste into rivers or fields, turn it into a valuable input for green businesses. All the wastes coming the olive oil production, can also be used as pellet for heating. Wood pellets are more popular, but olive wastes are a renewable and sustainable energy source, made from a product that would otherwise be discarded.  
• From farm to fungi and back to farm- The leftover material after mushroom harvesting can be used as natural fertiliser for the soil. The substrate is full of potential and can be used in the garden, can be composted or even as the nest to grow other mushrooms, as it contains raw materials ready to be repurposed. 
• Rural potentials- We should look beyond cities. Villages offer materials, space, and opportunity to launch sustainable initiatives. As farmers use cow and chicken manure as valuable resources of nutrients for organic crop, we can use it as an input for a mushroom cultivation, as it increases soil water retention. Other types of waste, organic waste, or hassle waste can be used as a co-substrate. 
• Circular economy starts small- A small-scale lab or pilot project can be the first step toward a full, sustainable business, just like Ekofungi. We have seen successful initiatives in Europe and in the region which have previously started producing mushrooms, varieties such as Champion or Oysters. As we are exposed to tourism, we can see further economic developments. Once we see they work well, we extend it in another scale. 
• Turns wastes in opportunities- If treated correctly, agricultural waste can create jobs, protect the environment, and boost local economies. As we close the entire waste cycle, as a final result with Ekofungi, we also increase opportunities for young people, which means local employment, in the mainly disadvantaged or marginalized areas showing environmental protection. 
• Embrace Sustainable practices- It starts changing the mindset, from separating wastes, to composting and reusing them for different purposes. Embracing these kinds of start-ups and sustainable practices, we protect earth, produce healthy food, create jobs, help local development, have a positive impact and promote green ideas.  

This initiative is in line with the annual #ForOurPlanet campaign aimed to activate citizens all over the world to protect, restore and care for our beautiful planet.