Marine litter remains one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Across the Mediterranean, plastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems, local economies, and our shared natural heritage. But as the saying goes — real change starts from within communities.
At alchemia-nova Greece, we are proud to contribute to the EU-funded REMEDIES project, which brings innovation and citizen engagement together to combat plastic pollution at its source. Through a growing network of local actions, partnerships, and awareness campaigns, REMEDIES is showing how science and community spirit can together make a measurable difference.
Blue Halkidiki: Turning Local Hope into Measurable Action
One of our most inspiring collaborations so far is with the Greek Eco Project and its flagship initiative Blue Halkidiki 2025. This partnership directly supports the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” and mobilizes citizens to clean up coastlines, raise awareness, and reduce marine pollution.
Together, we aim to remove 20 tonnes of coastal plastic from Mediterranean shores — a symbolic and practical challenge that unites volunteers, local authorities, and innovators across Greece.
Through the REMEDIES Shoreline Marine Litter App, volunteers now play an active role in data collection, helping scientists and policymakers better understand pollution patterns and design more effective solutions. What started as a cleanup is evolving into a powerful citizen science movement — where every participant contributes to shaping a cleaner, healthier future for our seas.
“Diving Against Plastic Pollution” in Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki, the Thermaikos Gulf recently became the stage for another inspiring community effort: “Diving Against Plastic Pollution.” Supported by the City of Thessaloniki, the Greek Eco Project, and the REMEDIES project, volunteers used powerful magnets to retrieve metallic waste from the seabed — from coins and keys to bottle caps.
Each recovered item served as a reminder of our shared responsibility and the tangible impact of collective action.
As Maria Troullou, Chief Operations Officer at alchemia-nova Greece, stated during her interview with ERT3 News:
“We are setting long-term goals on how single-use plastics will be replaced by smart, circular solutions.”
Watch Maria Troullou’s interview at ERT3 TV channel.
Through these collaborative efforts, REMEDIES demonstrates how innovation meets community engagement — inspiring citizens to become change makers and reconnect with their environment. Learn more about our activity as it was published on the magazine Greenagenda.
From Local Actions to Lasting Change
These clean-up activities are more than isolated events. They are part of a broader mission to promote circular solutions, sustainable tourism, and resilient coastal ecosystems across the Mediterranean.
By linking EU-funded innovation with grassroots action, the REMEDIES project empowers local communities to protect the seas that sustain them. Together, we are proving that every hand, every idea, and every local partnership counts toward achieving a plastic-free future.
Follow Alchemia Nova Greece on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates on upcoming clean-up actions.
