The Plastic Free Menorca Alliance successfully closes its initiative supported by Beyond Plastic Med
More than 2,800 characterised wastes, 3 new products launched with non-recyclable waste and 5 companies advised: balance of the last year of work
After twelve months of work, the Plastic Free Menorca Alliance successfully completes the initiative supported by Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed), focused on reducing plastic pollution in Menorca. Thanks to the support of this international organisation, with a grant of €10,000, three key actions have been carried out with an impact on the environment, education and the local circular economy.
On the one hand, five establishments in the HORECA sector have been accompanied in their certification process with the Plastic Free Balearics seal. Three of them have achieved up to 4 stars after implementing changes to eliminate non-legal plastic products and more sustainable alternatives. This action has led to the review of more than 100 products, of which 15 did not comply with current regulations.
"Certifying companies ends up becoming the only time when many companies receive information about regulatory requirements and "honest" and "real" alternatives," says Marta Pérez, coordinator and head of certification at Plastic Free Balearics in Menorca. "Companies welcome this process very positively, thanking the advice and technical support we offer and, moreover, free of charge for them".
At the same time, five educational outings have been organised with the schools CEIP Tramuntana, CEIP Francesc d'Albranca, Col·legi Concertat Cor de Maria and PASCAL Private English School Lefkosia, with sampling points in Platja Gran, Platges de Fornells, Binigaus and Tàlis and a total area of 2.9 ha. 212 students have participated, which have helped the Alliance to identify and characterise 2,882 pieces of waste, totalling more than 100 kg of plastic waste removed from the coast of Menorca. The most found waste has been: 605 plastic caps and caps; 602 wet wipes (all from Platja Gran); 302 ear sticks and candy; 293 pieces of polystyrene and 272 ropes.
"We continue to contribute to the mapping of marine pollution in Menorca and each field trip is an opportunity to learn about the type and magnitude of plastic pollution suffered by the island," says Marta Pérez, coordinator of Plastic Free Menorca. "These field trips allow schools to carry out an activity outside the classroom, where we observe, analyze and propose actions based on the data collected at the outing".
Finally, the PescArt Menorca project has continued to grow, incorporating three new types of waste that are difficult to recycle through two open workshops: broken umbrellas, discarded wetsuits and microplastics collected from field trips. These materials – specifically, 59 broken umbrellas, 57 wetsuits and 10.25kg of microplastics – have been transformed into decorative frames, fans, raincoats, footwear components and other elements and accessories. From among these products or parts, three have been chosen to prepare their technical and economic feasibility study for three of these products, which has yielded encouraging results.
"The incorporation of new waste into the PescArt Menorca project confirms that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. The circular economy is possible," adds Núria Sintes, coordinator of PescArt Menorca.
"We are proud of the work done this year. Seeing students and companies involved shows that the Menorcan community wants to be part of the solution," says Marta Pérez, coordinator of the Alliance. This work is part of Menorca Preservation's long-term strategy to reduce plastic pollution, encourage reflection and conscious change in companies, professionals and entrepreneurs in the artistic guild, and in the general public. The Plastic Free Menorca Alliance is deeply grateful for this second support from BeMed, after the first collaboration in 2020.