Making Recycling Foxy With the Green Fox Project
Comprised of over 200 inhabited islands, Greece is a country where local sustainable efforts will have a huge impact on the big picture of the future for their nation. Skiathos, one of these many islands, is a rugged woodland with olive groves and pine woods scattered amongst more than 60 sandy beaches which attract a massive tourism influx during the summer months. With barely enough potable water for the islands permanent population, the tenfold population increase that begins in May easily equates to an increase in the consumption of bottled beverages. The small landfill on the island struggles to keep up with these consumption levels and such excess could spell disaster for this beautiful Greek treasure. Luckily, a chapter of the International Women’s Association on Skiathos has been actively pursuing methods to outweigh the countless tonnes of PET bottles and aluminium cans imported to the island.
For the past two years a group of women passionate about the preservation of their island, known as the Green Fox Project, has been introducing recycling methods, raising awareness about recycling, and involving the local community to adopt their methods. They knew if the landfill would not step up to the plate and gather these recyclables, they would have to create their own system that could. With custom made removable nets placed inside of receptacle bins located at bus stops and supermarkets, the Green Foxes have successfully handled over 80 tonnes of recycling in two years. The contents of these nets, often collected daily, are brought to the “Fox House” where bottles and cans are sorted, baled, and transported to recycling facilities on the Greek mainland.
You might be wondering where the flaw in this system is, but imagine transporting dozens of nets filled with hundreds of recyclables by foot and in cars? After their donated truck recently broke down, the Green Foxes have been walking and driving their own cars to continue collecting these nets, but this method simply will not work come May when the tourists begin arriving with their bottles and cans. Their StartSomeGood campaign has already reached its Tipping Point of $2,500, which will allow the group to rent a vehicle during the busy season and ensure continued recycling. With more than $6,500 already donated, less than $3,500 separates the Green Foxes from reaching their Total Funding Goal which will allow them to purchase a new (second hand) truck for collection and employ two paid workers to sort, bale, and prepare the recyclables for transportation. Help these women make a statement for recycling in Greece by supporting them in their initiative to keep Skiathos green.
conservative conservationist, environmental innovator, lost in translation, @babson educated, trying to @addmoregreen. a connecticut native who followed his intuition to his current home in australia. here to share my insight on sustainability and green living in an effort to re-educate mankind. avid runner, healthy vegetarian, green-thumbed gardener, meandering life's path.
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