Tucked away in the scenic village of Ehmej in the Byblos district, a unique Lebanese initiative is making an impact at home and abroad. EcoArt Mosaic, an initiative of Elias Khalife Art Studio, has just been selected by the European Commission as one of the top 10 finalists for the Green Skills Award — a recognition of its powerful fusion of environmental awareness, creativity and community engagement.

At its core, EcoArt Mosaic is about transforming recycled local glass into stunning mosaic art, crafted by the hands of everyday people — students, families and nature lovers. Unlike traditional mosaics that rely on imported or non-recyclable materials, this initiative uses eco-friendly, locally sourced components such as glass, natural sand and gypsum, rooting the process in Lebanese culture and sustainability.

The mission

“The idea really came from experience and a series of observations. During my mosaic workshops, I noticed that traditional materials were often too heavy and difficult for children or non-professionals to handle comfortably. I wanted to create something lighter, more accessible, and easier to manipulate—something that could invite more people into the process of creation. I’ve always preferred making my own materials instead of buying them off the shelf. At the same time, I was drawn to the beauty of glass—its brilliance, the way it reflects light, and the strength it adds to a mosaic. And at home, where I compost all organic waste, I kept wondering: what can I do with glass besides just throwing it away? That’s when it all came together. These ideas merged naturally — accessibility, sustainability and aesthetics — and that’s how this new material was born,” says Khalife.

More than 1,000 people have already taken part in hands-on workshops led by Khalife, whose artistic career spans over 20 years. His mission? To make art accessible to everyone and show how even simple materials can carry deep environmental meaning.

Every piece created reduces landfill waste, limits the need for new resources, and empowers participants to express themselves creatively while connecting with nature. It’s a powerful example of how art can inspire change, foster collaboration, and help build a more sustainable future.

The Green Skills Award nomination

“When I found out I was selected by the European Commission as one of the top 10 for the Green Skills Award, I felt deeply seen — like someone had truly read, understood and appreciated my work from the highest level. It wasn’t just recognition; it was validation. When an institution of this scale acknowledges your art and your message, it gives you a powerful push to believe even more in what you’re doing. For me, this is proof that waste is not waste. It’s raw material – ready to be transformed, reused and made effective again. Through my project, I try to tell that story. This selection reminds me that the story is being heard,” adds Khalife.

You can support Elias Khalife’s initiative by liking it on the European Commission’s page:

If you enjoyed reading this, check out our interview with artist Rawia Zantout.