A drink in exchange for collected butts. This is what happened last July 31 on the beach of bread and tomato, in Bari during the first ecological aperitif organized by Plastic Free Onlus. Not a symbolic action, but a concrete event of active citizenship, which has transformed a simple summer evening into a real lesson of applied ecology.
The event, entitled “The beach is not an ashtray”, began with an informal talk open to everyone. No chairs, only conversations between citizens and volunteers. There has been talk of the environmental damage caused by cigarette butts, often underestimated, but able to pollute up to 500 liters of water each. Also present were experts such as the biologist Davide Santacroce, who explained the effects of microplastics on human fabrics.
12 kilos of waste collected
After the comparison, go to the actual collection. In 60 minutes, over 40 registered volunteers (and many other spontaneous aggregates) cleaned up the beach by collecting more than 3 kg of butts and over 9 kg of plastic and other waste. Everything was coordinated by the local representatives Silvana Mitolo, Fabio Leli and Santacroce himself. The initiative also involved the managers of the Food Truck The Raw Bus and the Barproject Academy Training School, which offered the drinks in exchange for full glasses.
The heart of the initiative was simple but powerful: to reward virtuous behavior. To those who delivered a glass full of cicks, a free drink (non-alcoholic or beer) or a plastic free gadget, such as hats, holders or t-shirts were offered. An original way to say that the commitment to the environment can also be pleasant and shared.
A format that will be replicated
The event, sponsored by the Municipality of Bari and greeted by the Councilor for the Environment Pietro Petruzzelli, is only the first of a series of three appointments scheduled until September. The goal? Create a positive habit, transforming our beaches into common goods to be protected together. And maybe make this aperitif the new must of the summer not only from Bari.
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