An innovative awareness project taking place for the first time in Greece.
THE DATA
Throwing cigarette butts on the ground may seem like a negligible act, but it has actually a significant impact on the marine environment. Much of this toxic waste ends up in the sea where it remains for years to decompose, while birds and fish are the "innocent victims" that consume it as if it were food.
-
4.5Trillion
End up in the environment
every year -
65%Of smokers
Do not throw them in
waste bins
THE ACTION
Protecting the environment is something that concerns all of us since marine pollution primarily originates from the land. In this regard, Aegean Rebreath has designed and implemented, with the support of BAT Hellas, an international standards innovative program called “Small Actions, Big Crimes” to deal with the improvident disposal of cigarette butts in the natural environment. This initiative was first implemented in the region of Rafina, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rafina-Pikermi and the Rafina Port Authority. Shortly after the launch of this program, it evolved into a good practice, as the annual results from its implementation in Rafina were impressive. More than 91,000 cigarette butts have been collected in the collectors, while their disposal on the ground has been reduced by 64%. At the same time, one can observe a high level of engagement on behalf of both the local society and the local authorities who have embraced the project since the very beginning.
In a short period, the effectiveness of the program made evident the need to extend it in other parts of Greece.
The program has been also implemented in Cyclades and specifically in the island of Naxos, in collaboration with the Municipality of Naxos & Small Cyclades and the Port Fund of Naxos; once again, the participation of the municipal authorities and the local community has been decisive. Currently, the program is implemented under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy in two members of the Blue Municipalities Network, which shows the need to further apply and expand good practices in our country. “Small Actions, Major Crimes” program includes the following actions:
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1
INSTALLING COLLECTORS
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2
SATELLITE
MONITORING
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3
AWARENESS RAISING / COASTAL CLEAN-UPS
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AWARENESS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
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QUALITATIVE SURVEY OF CITIZENS ASKED TO EVALUATE THE PROGRAMME
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ANIMATION FILM
THE PROGRAM IN 5 STEPS
The innovative program "Small Actions, Big Crimes", by joining together the local authorities, the civil society, the scientific community and the private sector, contributes to the development of practices that can become both a point of reference at a national level and an example to rely on when submitting a proposal.
The "Small Actions, Big Crimes" program includes the following axes:
1. Mapping
2. Prevention
3. Decontamination
4. Awareness
5. Evaluation
1. Mapping
Actions to map and capture the problem of cigarette butt pollution, by using satellite systems and specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. (Add satellite video JOE).
The use of satellite systems and specialized algorithms helps to map and capture the problem of cigarette butt pollution. This approach provides objective and reliable data that help understand the extent of the problem and the impact caused by the improvident disposal of cigarette butts.
Satellite images are used to locate areas where cigarette butts are often discarded. Specialized algorithms can detect the presence of cigarette butts through image analysis, helping to map areas with a high concentration of cigarette butts and providing important information to address the problem.
2. Prevention
Designing good practices to reduce the impact of cigarette butts on the marine environment.
The installation of special cigarette butt collectors in key areas of the city, such as beaches, footpaths and high traffic areas, encourages people to dispose of cigarette butts properly, rather than throwing them on the ground or in the sea. Prevention is the most important feature of the program, aiming at a complete change of attitude at a local level.
3. Decontamination
Decontamination activities in coastal areas.
Decontamination actions in coastal areas are basically an essential effort to relieve the coastal environment. Such actions aim at the collection of cigarette butts that are found dispersed in coastal areas and beaches, so as to avoid further pollution of the marine environment. At the same time, they contribute to raising awareness about this issue among the members of the local community, as well as to promoting the active participation of citizens in protecting the coastal and marine environment.
4. Awareness
Awareness raising campaign regarding the environmental consequences caused by the improvident disposal of cigarette butts in the marine environment.
The program promotes the sensitization of citizens with respect to the environmental consequences caused by the improvident disposal of cigarette butts in the marine environment, by using special messages and by highlighting individual responsibility. In this context, social networks are utilized and specific audiovisual material is developed. In addition, another practical and essential action is the distribution of pocket ashtrays to bathers at the beaches of the areas where the program is implemented. Through this initiative, bathers are encouraged to maintain the surrounding area clean; overall, caring about the protection of the marine ecosystem is a vital aspect of this program.
Giving emphasis on individual responsibility is also important since it reminds all individuals of their significant role in preserving and protecting the marine environment.
5. Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation of data regarding the effectiveness of the program’s actions.
The analysis of findings and data enables the evaluation of program actions. Data collection before and during the program provides information on the amount of cigarette butts collected and where they are located. This is followed by data analysis and interpretation in order to draw conclusions and develop substantiated proposals. By comparing the data collected before and after the implementation of the actions, the effectiveness and added value of the program can be evaluated. This process also allows us to think of interventions that need improvement so as to enhance the overall effectiveness of the program. Finally, this practice has been proven essential in that it facilitated the carrying over the program from a coastal area (Rafina) to an island area (Naxos), while adapting it in a correct way.
WATCH THE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY
THE MAPS
Don’t act recklessly!
Dispose your cigarette butt in the specially placed receptacles that you will find in the following places!
DATA
NUMBER OF CIGARETTE BUTTS IN THE COLLECTORS
Have a look below at the exceptional results from the beginning of each programme
RAFINA: RESULTS FROM NOVEMBER 2021
0
CIGARETTE BUTTS
NAXOS: RESULTS FROM MAY 2023
0
CIGARETTE BUTTS
An initiative of Aegean Rebreath, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rafina - Pikermi, the Rafina Port Authority and the Municipality of Naxos.
With the support of BAT Hellas.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment & Energy.
