Reusable cloth bags and a good deal of awareness about the importance of reducing the use of plastic and recycling more and better were distributed this Sunday, December 5th, to customers of the weekly market in Largo do Carmo, in Faro, in an action promoted by the Association for the Study and Conservation of the Oceans (AECO), in partnership with the Algarve delegation of the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Portugal (ACAPO).
The two associations wanted, with this initiative, "to make the population aware of the need to reduce the use of plastic bags and other disposable packaging".
In addition to reusable cloth bags that were distributed, the newest colored pencils wrapped in recycled paper were also offered, a gift from the Chamber of Faro, "who wanted to join the cause".
An action that was well received by the population
“I actually come here every Sunday and I see that the amount of plastic bags that are used could be less. This type of initiative reminds us that every day counts to make a difference and that small gestures together can mean a lot. Offer me this bag, which is one of those little gestures. I'll bring it with me for shopping next week», according to Fátima Costa, a resident of the Penha area.
On the part of ACAPO, this action, "in addition to contributing to the common good at the present time", serves to "join efforts towards future sustainability".
«And today, with a small game with the participants, we proved that recycling is easy, even with your eyes closed», said Joana Afonso, from ACAPO.
Ricardo Martins, from the same association, also highlighted the need to sensitize the population in general to the difficulty of people with visual impairments in accessing recycling bins, «namely when people leave garbage on the floor, appliances or furniture».
For the organizers, the balance of the action is positive and «it is estimated, based on the number of bags distributed, that it has been possible to interact with more than 120 residents».
“The next planned awareness raising actions are for younger audiences and will take place in schools in the region. In July, as part of our Ria+ project and with the help of the volunteer scout groups with whom we carry out annual clean-up campaigns on the barrier islands, perhaps we can replicate another such awareness-raising session here in the market or even in the municipal market», according to Sandra Godinho, who helped organize the action.
AECO takes the opportunity to launch the challenge to the population "to live this December in shades of blue, reducing, reusing and recycling packaging and products that they cannot avoid during the Christmas celebrations."
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