On 18 February 2025, the association Elafonisos Eco gathered with 5 new volunteers on Simos Beach, one of the most emblematic beaches of the island, for a clean-up operation. For two hours, the volunteers wandered along the coastline to collect the rubbish left behind by the waves… and by human activity. An essential initiative to preserve marine biodiversity and raise awareness on the impact of waste on our oceans.
Every year, tonnes of rubbish wash up on beaches, endangering marine flora and fauna. At Simos Beach, an impressive quantity of plastic bottles and especially their caps, as well as various objects abandoned by holidaymakers, such as flip-flops and other beach accessories, were found. It illustrates the impact of tourism on the environment and the importance of adopting more responsible behaviours.
After two hours of cleaning, three bags full of rubbish were collected. A volume that reminds us that coastal pollution is a very real problem, but one that can be reduced by collective action such as clean-ups. The waste collected will then be sorted and disposed of in the appropriate bins for recycling.
A reminder:
Every year, 14 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, representing 80% of marine waste (IUCN, UNEP). Bottles, bags and single-use packaging make up 70% of the waste found on beaches (European Commission). This pollution has dramatic consequences: 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals die every year (WWF). If nothing changes, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2016).
This clean-up is just the first step in our ongoing commitment to a cleaner environment. We encourage everyone to reduce their consumption of single-use plastic, to adopt responsible behaviour on holiday (don’t leave anything behind!) and to take part in future clean-ups with Elafonisos Eco !
Check our social media to take part in the next action,
Let’s work together for the planet !