European Cleanup Day was organized and co-ordinated in Greece by HELMEPA during 5 - 25 May 2017, with actions continuing during June.
In total 5,402 volunteers, from 167 public and private stakeholders organised 127 beach, underwater, riverbank, lake-side, forest, park and other natural area cleanup activities, covering a distance amounting to 83 km. The volunteers collected 6.8 tons of rubbish, of which 2.6 tons were recycled in collaboration with the Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation (HE.R.R.Co).
As the volunteers, young and old, descended on beaches, rivers and lakes, they recorded the items of litter on special Data Sheets, which HELMEPA provided. The results made up the “Top 10” of most common items of trash that pollute our natural environment.
In total, volunteers collected 75,889 pieces of litter, from the tiniest pieces of foam to a gym mattress! Unfortunately, cigarette filters are, once again, the “champions” prevailing on the top of the list of common marine litter items. This is characteristic of the indifference and ignorance of people about the damage that even the smallest item of rubbish can cause to the natural environment. Worrying is also the fact that 2 out of 3 items are plastic, which are associated to recreational activities and remain in the environment for long periods of time. Let us consider that according to a recent survey, by 2050 there may be more plastic by weight than fish in the ocean!
Once again this year, the education community was widely involved in this initiative. Students, members of the “HELMEPA Junior” and “Cadets” Programs, together with their teachers, as well as other students of all ages, from 82 Kindergartens, Primary, Junior and Senior High Schools gave their own special touch to the activities of the Campaign.
Cleanup actions were also organized by 7 HELMEPA member-companies, local authorities, other companies and organizations, protected areas management authorities, environmental organizations and cultural associations, nautical clubs, citizens' groups and divers. Τhe participation of Coast Guard Officers, from 17 Coast Guard Stations and Port Authorities, was also significant. With instructions given to them by the Marine Environment Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, they supported the organization and implementation of activities on a local scale. A list of all participating organizations is available at the following link (in Greek only):
http://www.helmepa.gr/pdf/FOREIS-GREECE-ECD-2017.pdf
Commemorative participation diplomas were awarded to the coordinators of the clean ups as well as the children and teenagers that took part. HELMEPA thanks all the volunteers who, with their participation, showed that only through a concerted team effort, the environmental problems of our times may be effectively addressed. The message remains: let’s change the habits that harm our planet!