About us

Our Sustainable Mission

Sustainable Neighbours is a team dedicated to developing sustainable programs that inspire and engage communities. Our mission is to create a greener future by leveraging the unique role libraries play as centers of learning and community gathering.

Libraries Going Green

Libraries Going Green is a comprehensive program designed to transform libraries into beacons of sustainability. Through this initiative, we provide libraries with the tools, resources, and support needed to implement environmentally friendly practices and educate their patrons about sustainability. From energy-efficient building improvements to eco-friendly programming and events, we are committed to helping libraries reduce their carbon footprint and promote green living.

What We Offer

• Sustainable Practices: Guidance on adopting energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable resource management.
• Educational Programs: Workshops, seminars, and resources on topics such as recycling, renewable energy, and conservation.
• Community Engagement: Initiatives that encourage community involvement in sustainability efforts, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
• Resource Library: Access to a wealth of information, including best practices, case studies, and toolkits to help libraries go green.

Meet the team

Our team includes three librarians and one environmental scientist from Greece and Turkey and was created in 2024. Our goal is to create a more sustainable future for both libraries and the communities they serve.

Maria Aplada

I am Maria Aplada, a 22-year-old librarian from Greece and a recent graduate of the Archival, Library, and Information Systems department at the University of West Attica. I believe that libraries are more than just repositories of information—they are community hubs with the power to drive positive change. I am dedicated to creating welcoming, eco-friendly spaces that encourage learning and community engagement.

My commitment to the environment is evident in my efforts to implement green practices in libraries. From organizing eco-conscious events to advocating for energy-efficient building upgrades, I strive to make a difference. My journey is just beginning, and I am excited to collaborate with fellow librarians, community members, and sustainability enthusiasts to make a lasting impact.

My vision is to see libraries not only as centers of knowledge but as pioneering institutions in the fight for a greener, more sustainable future. Join me and the Sustainable Neighbours team as we work together to create a positive and lasting environmental impact through our "Libraries Going Green" initiative.

Sofia Papageorgiou

I studied Environmental Science in Mytilene (Department of the Environment, University of the Aegean), with postgraduate studies in ''Policies and applied methods for the protection of the environment'' (Department of Civil Engineers of the University of West Attica).

I am a member of "Project Skyros" and a junior researcher at the Special Academic Unit of Environmental Education, Education and Health of the University of West Attica and authored research work with presentations in international and national conferences.

My experience is in designing educational programs with a focus on natural disasters, environmental education, food losses and waste. Currently, I work in the private sector as an Environmental Scientist, in the consulting company Circular Innovative Solutions, related on environmental and circular economy issues.

In my free time I enjoy travelling, going to theatre, reading books and spent time with friends. My motivation for the participation in this programm is to get to know and cooperate with other participants which have different backgrounds and create something that mixes up all our background knowledge! As a person, an important fact for me is that noone is left behind in a team and that we should give our best for a positive and effective outcome!

Hilal Sultan Taşcı

My name is Hilal Sultan Taşcı. I graduated from Marmara University's Department of Information and Document Management in 2018. During my third year, I had the enriching opportunity to participate in an Erasmus program at the University of Boras in Sweden, focusing on Library Studies. This experience not only broadened my academic perspective but also deepened my appreciation for diverse cultural and professional environments. After graduating, I explored various roles within librarianship and archiving before being appointed as an archivist in the Personnel Affairs Directorate at Marmara University in January 2022. In October of the same year, I joined Rami Library and in May 2023, I stepped into a pivotal role as the Sustainability Team Leader.

My passion for sustainability in libraries led me to undertake a specialized training program in Sustainability Criteria and Practices with Kapadokya University, where I earned a certification.

Currently, I oversee all processes related to the Biosphere Certification at Rami Library. I am actively involved in collecting, organizing, and storing all sustainability-related forms, documentation, and records, ensuring our operations align with best practices in sustainability. Additionally, I am writing my thesis on Sustainability and Libraries at Istanbul University, aiming to contribute further to the field through academic research.

Meliha Arı

My name is Meliha Arı. I graduated in 2016 with a degree in Information and Document Management from Istanbul University. Since 2017, I have been serving as a librarian at Erbaa Şehit Said Uslu District Public Library. My academic research, titled "Assessment of Sustainable Development Awareness among Librarians Working in Public Libraries Affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism," deepened my commitment to environmental protection. In 2023, I led a course on "Early Childhood Environmental Awareness" to instill sustainability practices in young children.

I believe strongly in the transformative role of libraries in knowledge dissemination, community engagement, and societal progress for sustainability. Therefore, I am conducting sustainability initiatives at my library.