On the third largest island of Greece, renowned for its extensive coastline, rich natural beauty, and historical and geological treasures, the inaugural event of the “Plastic Free Greece” campaign for 2024 unfolded.

Specifically, three coastal cleanups were conducted with the assistance of volunteers, Lidl Hellas employees, as well as students from the University of the Aegean’s Department of Environment and Department of Oceanography and Marine Biosciences. Their dedicated efforts successfully cleared three beaches that had been burdened by pollution and the careless actions of citizens.

The first cleanup occurred at the bustling Tsamakia beach near Mytilini, situated on the island’s southeastern coast and convenient for those staying within the capital. Here, 81.2 kg of waste was meticulously gathered. The second cleanup at the expansive Skala Polichnitou beach in Kalloni Bay yielded an impressive 186.7 kilograms of collected waste.

Additionally, 35 kg of waste was retrieved from the serene Panagiouda beach, a few kilometers north of Mytilini. In total, 302.92 kg of garbage was removed during the three-day coastal cleanup, significantly enhancing the appearance of these coastal areas and the visitor experience.

Regarding the types of litter collected, plastics dominated with 838 pieces retrieved, underscoring the persistent environmental challenge posed by plastic pollution. Equally concerning were the 457 pieces of styrofoam recovered, known for its detrimental impact on marine life. Furthermore, volunteers also gathered 155 cigarette butts and 205 bottle caps and rings.

These efforts not only restored the original beauty of these coastlines but also prepared them for the upcoming summer season’s challenges.

Watch the action video here:
[Plastic Free Greece – Lesbos | @lidlhellas](link to the video)