GRANT PROJECTS TO SUPPORT UPCYCLING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL CULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE AS A TOOL FOR REDUCING TEXTILE WASTE

Abstract

The aim of the study is to substantiate the feasibility of creating grant projects aimed at supporting initiatives for the creative recycling of textile waste. The article addresses the pressing issue of textile waste accumulation in Ukraine, caused by excessive consumption, the availability of second-hand goods, and insufficiently effective disposal methods. It is noted that a significant portion of textile waste ends up in landfills or forms illegal dumpsites, exacerbating the environmental situation, particularly in de-occupied territories.The research methodology is based on a combination of methods: analysis of statistical data on textile waste accumulation, assessment of its morphological composition, and evaluation of its environmental impact. The study also analyzes the European experience, where the principles of the circular economy, including repair, reuse, and creative upcycling, are actively implemented. It has been found that Ukraine needs to adapt these approaches to national conditions, particularly through the development of grant programs.To study the population’s readiness for rational handling of textile waste, an empirical survey was conducted across age categories. The data obtained showed that younger generations are more inclined to sort textiles and adopt eco- friendly disposal methods, while older age groups predominantly use old textiles for household purposes or store them without practical application.The scientific novelty of the work lies in the development of a systematic approach to managing textile waste through grant support focused on creative transformation (upcycling) with an emphasis on the development of environmental culture and the preservation of national traditions. The inclusion of a social component in the program allows vulnerable population groups, particularly internally displaced persons with children, to be involved in production and creative processes.Conclusions. The proposed grant program will promote the popularization of environmental culture, the development of upcycling entrepreneurship, and the preservation of national identity through the creative recycling of textiles. The analysis of scientific sources highlights the importance of implementing systemic solutions aimed at integrating the principles of the circular economy in Ukraine. The implementation of the program will not only reduce environmental impact but also foster an environmentally responsible society by integrating sustainable development principles into daily life. Particular attention is paid to the educational component, which will contribute to the ecological education of youth through involvement in creative textile recycling processes.