In 2024, the commitment of Plastic Free Onlus volunteers in Veneto produced extraordinary results: as many as 98,846 kilograms of plastic and rubbish were removed from beaches, parks and urban areas thanks to 989 environmental clean-up events, including clean-ups, ecological walks and cigarette butt collections.
The objective of Plastic Free Onlus, active since 2019, is not limited to waste removal, but also extends to raising awareness among the younger generation. During the year, in fact, 314 meetings were organised in schools throughout the region, involving 8,601 students. The interventions were customised for the different age groups, with a focus on topics such as reducing the use of plastic, correct separate waste collection, and the importance of adopting responsible behaviour to preserve the environment.
‘It has been an extraordinary year for our association’ says Roberto Marrazzo, Plastic Free’s regional representative, ’which has crossed national borders to operate in 34 countries. Also in Veneto, thanks to the contribution of many volunteers, we have made a significant contribution to the protection of the Planet’. Another key element of Plastic Free’s success has been the collaboration with local administrations. In 2024, 69 memorandums of understanding were signed with various municipalities in the region to intensify relations with local authorities and promote virtuous practices for the benefit of citizens.
Veneto thus confirmed itself as the most active region in Italy, with 13 municipalities awarded for their commitment:
- 3 turtles awarded to Mogliano Veneto (Treviso) and Legnago (Verona);
- 2 turtles in Pontecchio Polesine, Porto Viro and Taglio di Po (Rovigo);
- 2 tortoises in Verona and Caprino Veronese (Verona);
- 2 turtles in Marcon, Caorle, Jesolo and Mira (Venice);
- 2 tortoises in Cittadella (Padua);
- 2 tortoises in Vicenza (Vicenza).
These awards are a tangible sign of the municipalities’ commitment to protecting the environment and promoting ecologically sustainable behaviour. ‘We hope that in the coming year more and more municipalities will seize this opportunity by applying free of charge by 15 January’ Marrazzo added.
Another important milestone reached in 2024 was the creation of the Plastic Free Scientific Committee, led by Professor Ennio Tasciotti, founder and director of the Human Longevity Program at the IRCCS San Raffaele in Rome. Included by Stanford University in the prestigious ranking of the top 1% of the world’s scientists, Tasciotti represents an important figure on the international scientific scene. The Committee aims to support the association with research and scientific data, further strengthening the effectiveness of its initiatives.
