One of the smallest islands in Greece has become the first in the Aegean Sea to ban single-use plastic.
Donousa — an island with approximately 200 inhabitants — implemented the ban in an effort to reduce pollution and protect the marine environment.
The ban falls under the “Sea Change Greek Islands” initiative, which is sponsored by the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Public Benefit Foundation and led by the Municipality of Naxos and the Small Cyclades.
It began with replacing disposable plastics such as straws. But Cyclades officials are looking to take the ban further by inviting residents on Donousa to help systematically reduce and remove plastic from the island.
The ban is taking effect two years before the March 2019 European Union directive, which mandates that all member states eliminate disposable plastics.
Officials already took action on April 5, when they distributed information kits to island residents. Residents also filled participation forms and exchanged single-use plastics with recyclable ones.
In collaboration with the non-profit organization Wildlife Society of Naxos, volunteer teams cleaned Donousa’s paths, shores and the small port.
Featured image / Amanda Michalopoulou, Greece Is
Video: Environmental Actions in Donousa and Paros
