Greek Islanders Snub Plastic Bags

  • by XpatAthens
  • Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Greek Islanders Snub Plastic Bags
Sifnos, among other Greek islands, have started the initiative to decrease the usage of plastic bags by charging 10 cents per bag. The initiative, which began on Sifnos island and named the ‘Do it Like a Sifnian’ act, hopes to encourage people to use reusable material pouches or bags instead of plastic.

Sifnos Island Cooperative (SIC) started awareness-raising programs back in 2015 by visiting local schools and distributing multi-purpose bags. The project quickly gained traction and is now winning over the trade industry among others. Even the island’s Association of Professionals and Traders and the municipality have joined in the effort by raising awareness at school educational events and hosting community gatherings.

In addition to the effort Sifnos is making in the reduction of using plastic bags, they are also exploring ways to make the island self-sufficient in energy by using renewable resources like the wind and sea water.