The island of Alonnisos, part of the Northern Sporades group in the central Aegean, is abolishing plastic bags from all stores and supermarkets starting December 1 to protect its fragile ecosystem, the non-governmental organization Mediterranean SOS Network (MedSOS) announced on Tuesday.
The program aims to help Alonissos become an alternative tourism destination since its lush green environment is home of the most important remaining populations of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) in the region.
Good example
Th island is the first area of Greece to trade plastic bags with environment-friendly canvas bags for transporting goods, and, according to Mediterranean SOS Network, other municipalities in Greece have also expressed interest in participating in this initiative.
Throughout the day, municipal officials, students and volunteers greeted residents at the supermarkets and other stores to inform them of the change and provide them with canvas bags and leaflets explaining the initiative, said the NGO.
Environmental consciousness
It also added that local supermarkets embraced the call and stopped providing plastic bags altogether, giving clients reusable bags for their shopping.
As part of the program, 2,000 tissue paper bags will be distributed to the residents and a series of actions, seminars and workshops will be held. Authorities now plan educational initiatives, coastal cleanups and consultation workshops to build environmental consciousness and expand the program throughout the island.
Source: http://www.tornosnews.com
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