The “Plastic Free Greece” program returns, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, for the 4th consecutive year in 7 destinations, sending a resounding message of sustainable development.
Proving in practice that sustainable development governs every initiative, in the context of its business operation, the Lidl Greece continues for 4or year the campaign work “Plastic Free Greece” in collaboration with Athanasios K. Laskaridis Charitable Foundationunder his auspices Ministry of Tourism and his Ministry of Environment and Energyunder the national campaign “Greece without single-use plastics“.
In the summer of 2022, representatives of Lidl Greece, together with its partners and volunteers of the Foundation, joined forces to protect the Greek coasts and seas from single-use plastics and visited Heraklion, the second leg of Halkidiki, Santorini, Syros, Lake Kerkini and Lemnos. In total, since the start of the action in June 2020 2818 kg of waste have been collectedspecifically 547 kg in coastal and 2271 kg in underwater cleanups.
The journey continues in the summer of 2023 with the aim of 7 destinations to become Plastic Free. This year, for the first time, the cleaning campaigns will also take place in archaeological sites. The project team, made up of executives and volunteers from the two cooperating agencies, will visit Agios Nikolaos of Crete, Zakynthos, Santorini, Xios, Sounio and Delphi, offering breaths of life to burdened areas of island and mainland Greece, in from actions of mobilization and awareness for the protection of the environment.
Coastal and/or underwater clean-ups, as well as meetings with local government representatives and educational activities, will be carried out in each destination as a key information tool for pollution prevention.
This action is part of the sustainability program of Lidl Greece, specifically in the field “Good for the planet”, with the strategic pillar of Resource Conservation.
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Interview with Athanasios Laskaridis, Founder of the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation
Editor: Good morning, Mr. Laskaridis! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the “Plastic Free Greece” initiative. This program has now returned for its fourth year. Can you share what motivated the Foundation to continue this important work?
Laskaridis: Good morning! Thank you for having me. The motivation behind continuing the “Plastic Free Greece” initiative stems from our commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. Greece is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich marine biodiversity, and we believe it’s crucial to preserve these natural treasures for future generations. The alarming increase in plastic waste poses a significant threat, and as concerned citizens, we felt obligated to take action.
Editor: That’s a wonderful initiative! Can you tell us about the collaboration with Lidl Greece and the Ministries of Tourism and Environment?
Laskaridis: Absolutely! Our partnership with Lidl Greece has been instrumental. They bring invaluable resources and enthusiasm to the campaign. Additionally, collaborating with the Ministries of Tourism and Environment ensures that we align our efforts with national policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics. Together, we make a united front advocating for sustainable tourism practices across various destinations.
Editor: The program has seen significant participation across different locations. Can you highlight some of the achievements over the past few years?
Laskaridis: Certainly! Since the launch of the initiative in June 2020, we have collectively removed a staggering 2,818 kilograms of waste, with a combination of coastal and underwater cleanups. In 2022 alone, we organized activities in several picturesque locations like Heraklion, Halkidiki, Santorini, Syros, Lake Kerkini, and Lemnos. Each cleanup not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also raises awareness about the impact of plastic waste on our oceans and wildlife.
Editor: That’s impressive work! What do you hope to achieve with the continued efforts of the “Plastic Free Greece” program moving forward?
Laskaridis: Our goal is to expand our reach and impact. We want to inspire more local communities and businesses to join the movement towards reducing plastic use. By fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship, we hope to encourage a more responsible approach to tourism. Ultimately, we envision a future where Greece can proudly stand as a leader in eco-friendly practices.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Laskaridis, for sharing these insights with us today. Your commitment to sustainability is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes the “Plastic Free Greece” program will continue to bring.
Laskaridis: Thank you for having me! Together, we can make a difference.
Tive in June 2020, we’ve successfully collected a staggering 2,818 kilograms of waste, with 547 kg from coastal areas and 2,271 kg from underwater cleanups. The collaboration has made a tangible impact, and we are proud to engage local communities through educational activities and cleanup events to foster environmental awareness. Each action represents not just cleanup but also an opportunity to educate and inspire others to take part in preserving our beautiful environment.
Editor: That’s impressive! This year, for the first time, cleaning campaigns are being expanded to archaeological sites. Why is that significant?
Laskaridis: Expanding our efforts to archaeological sites highlights the interconnectedness of our cultural heritage and natural environment. These sites are not only vital for tourism but also hold historical significance. By cleaning these areas, we protect not only the aesthetic values of these sites but also serve as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve both culture and nature for future generations.
Editor: It’s clear your initiative aims to create lasting change. What can local communities and individuals do to support the “Plastic Free Greece” campaign?
Laskaridis: Local communities and individuals can play a crucial role by participating in cleanup events and spreading awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics. Simple actions like reducing plastic consumption, opting for reusable items, and educating others can have significant ripple effects. Every small effort counts and contributes to a larger vision of sustainability.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Laskaridis, for sharing your insights. The “Plastic Free Greece” initiative is a remarkable step toward a more sustainable future. We look forward to seeing the impact of this year’s efforts!
Laskaridis: Thank you! It’s a collective effort, and together we can make a difference.
