Today was a really special day in my country, Slovenia. It was dedicated to the rehabilitation of illegal waste dumps throughout the country: in the cities, villages, forests, rivers, lakes, the sea... The aim of the project was to remove 20,000 tonnes of municipal and bulk waste from the environment. While illegal dumps were in the focus of the project, some volunteers were in charge of clearing the surroundings of schools, kindergartens and other institutions. Over 250.000 people attended which actually represents more than 12% of the population!!! We are not the first country to do it. Estonia was a pioneer in 2008 and this was later repeated in Lithuania, Latvia, Portugal and partly in India, while it is being planned in several more countries. We can thank you a few eco enthusiasts in Slovenia for building up such a great project. I entered as a volunteer back in February, but due to my thyroid going crazy, I couldn't attend:(. I didn't really think this initiative would be so successful. This was the biggest team of volunteers, experts and members of non-governmental organizations, business enterprises, clubs and others as part of the Slovene society - even the political top joined in and our prime minister with his ministers, the army, public figures put on gloves and filled the black bags with waste. The British embassy staff gave a hand as well:). Bicycles and even cars were pulled out of the rivers, kitchen cabinets and appliances removed from the forests hazardous waste will be dealt with... The initiative started in October 2009 because all of the illegal dumps had to be cataloged, they had to gather the volunteers, transportation for the garbage... and they did it!!!By now, at least 38.000 cubic meters of waste was gathered!!
As Slovenians generate an average of 454 kg of municipal waste per person each year, the Statistics Office said this week quoting data for 2008. Nearly three-quarters of it is landfilled and the rest recycled, putting Slovenia in the bottom half of the EU in terms of recycling. I hope this well planned adventure makes people appreciate the environment more.
I couldn't be more prouder...
And there is a plan for the future, too: it is called let's clean the world and it is scheduled for 2012. I hope that comes true, too...
And there is a plan for the future, too: it is called let's clean the world and it is scheduled for 2012. I hope that comes true, too...
7 comments:
Wow! That's a huge undertaking and to have so many folks turn out is amazing. Congratulations to Slovenia!
On another note completely, the picture in your sidebar of Pupa makes me giggle. It looks like he's about to pounce and give you a good biting. He's beautiful despite his angry look. Love the nose freckle. :)
What a super idea! I'm sorry that you couldn't attend, and hope that you're feeling better soon.
Around this area we have no organized clean up day, though, thee are sections of the main roads that are kept clean by groups. They, periodically, cover their section of road, and pick up all of the trash that has landed by the sides.
We do have what is called "A Day of Giving." That is a county wide day of volunteerism, usually spent helping other individuals or organizations get needed chores done.
great! i wish italy did the same. in the past, when all the talk about going eco wasn't even reality, there were days when city halls cleaned the lands too, populated by volunteers, and they were succesfull, but not today :( i'm an optimist by heart, though. and hey, i wonder how people can abandon used bikes. wouldn't it be simple to give it to someone else?
Sorry for sticking my nose into your blog, but may I ask you what's wrong with your thyroid?
That is amazing Sandra! I am proud of your country too. We did this when I was in school. We all went out with trash bags and cleaned up our city. Other schools did the same. It was fun and made us feel good to be helping.
sandra..seeing you with those adopted dogs puts tears of happiness in my eyes....
wonderful...and soon a new adoption here too
kary
xxx
You should be very proud. All countries should be doing this.
Post a Comment