On Sunday, November 10th, our passionate young Italian volunteers organised a beach clean-up in three coastal locations: Viareggio, San Benedetto del Tronto, and Ostia. The day was a celebration of civic engagement and environmental stewardship. Together with volunteers of Fondazione Toscana Sostenibile we have collected over 10 full bags of waste from the beaches!
The Day’s Impact: Tackling Plastic Waste and Microplastics
The beach clean-up yielded a significant haul of plastic waste and other non-recyclable materials. It was eye-opening and concerning to see just how much microplastic littered our shores. Collecting these tiny particles was challenging, but the determination of our volunteers proved that with the right mindset, we can make strides in protecting our marine ecosystem.
However, the sheer volume of waste collected highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action from beachgoers and the general public. While individual efforts are crucial, a more robust response from local and national authorities is needed to develop systemic solutions that address environmental issues at their core.
The Power of Active Citizenship: Connecting with EU4YOUTH2ACT
This beach clean-up aligns closely with the principles of active citizenship and youth empowerment, which are central to the EU4YOUTH2ACT project. Through EU4YOUTH2ACT, young people are given the tools and platforms to express their ideas and opinions at a European level.
A Message of Hope and Collective Action
The success of our clean-up event wasn’t just measured by the amount of waste collected but also by the powerful message of hope and change it conveyed. It serves as a concrete example of how collective effort can lead to the betterment of our communities and the preservation of our environment.
Thank you once again to everyone who participated and made this day possible, especially Isabella, Lorenzo, Nina, Jonathan, Shadi, and all of you who lent a helping hand!
