Italian towns and villages unite for the sea: against single-use plastic

Italian towns and villages unite around the sea against single-use plastic

Ahead of Sea Day on April 11, a coalition of municipalities and civil society organizations has launched a campaign to reduce single-use plastics and protect the Mediterranean's ecological, scientific, recreational and economic value.

The initiative aims both to raise public awareness and to encourage local administrations to adopt concrete measures. It also highlights the role of the Extended Producer Responsibility introduced by the recent EU packaging and packaging waste regulation.

• Lead municipalities: Rimini and Vasto, quickly joined by Bellaria, Igea Marina, Riccione, Montenero di Bisaccia and Termoli, with more expected.
• Promoting organizations: Basta Plastica in Mare Network, ISDE Physicians for the Environment, Marevivo, Zero Waste Italy and local partners.
• Key actions: reduce single-use purchases, public information campaigns, research on critical materials (polystyrene boxes, polypropylene mussel socks) and circular economy projects.

The appeal targets the “citizen-consumer”: everyday purchasing choices influence the amount of plastic entering rivers and seas. The alliance also calls for cooperation with research institutes and sector operators to develop feasible solutions for difficult-to-manage marine materials.

The initiative frames itself as a cultural as well as environmental project: protecting Mediterranean maritime culture means safeguarding landscapes, traditions and sea-based livelihoods while promoting sustainable practices across towns, villages and local communities.