The CleanUp4Guimarães project, led by the Municipality of Guimarães and funded under the EU Mission (Open Call 1): Restore Our Ocean and Waters of the REMEDIES project, is a transformative initiative tackling plastic pollution in rivers. Through innovative solutions like eco-barriers, community cleanups, recycling initiatives, and creative awareness campaigns, the project combines environmental restoration with active citizen engagement.
Project Highlights
Opening Event: Launching Action
The project was officially launched with an opening event on March 27, 2024, which presented the project’s goals, introduced the study area in the Ave River basin, and formalized the cleanup campaigns. This event, broadcast live on Portuguese Public Television (RTP) and promoted across social media, engaged local stakeholders and the public to kickstart the project’s activities.
Eco-Barriers: Sustainable River Protection
Eco-barriers made of 94% cork were installed in the Selho River to collect floating debris. These barriers, approved by the Portuguese Environmental Agency, do not interfere with biodiversity or water flow, exemplifying eco-friendly innovation.
Community Cleanup Campaigns
Two large-scale cleanup events mobilized volunteers and organizations:
- June 29, 2024: Scouts from the 774 Queijas Scout Group collected 233 kg of waste from the Selho River.
- August 14, 2024: 28 volunteers from the Green Brigades and the Portuguese Red Cross participated in another successful cleanup.
These events showcased the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
Awareness Campaign: Leaving a Mark for the Future
The awareness campaign, under the slogan “And you, what mark do you want to leave for the future?”, combined digital and physical outreach to educate citizens on plastic pollution. Highlights include:
- Itinerant Exhibition: Held during the Festas da Cidade e Gualterianas, this exhibition displayed photos and actual waste collected, emphasizing the scale of the pollution problem.
- Banners and Ads: Nine online banners and three newspaper ads featured waste items like olive oil bottles and candy wrappers, making pollution relatable to daily life.
- Promotional Video: A video showcasing the cleanup campaigns and the impact of plastic pollution was widely shared on social media. Watch the video here.
Creative Recycling Initiatives
Art Installation: Transforming Waste into Awareness
The plastic collected during cleanup campaigns was transformed into an art installation displayed in the historic center during the city’s major festival. This striking piece highlighted the importance of recycling and engaged the community in conversations about environmental stewardship. Labels on the installation, made from agricultural plastics, linked the artwork directly to the Selho River and featured the logos of key partners, including the Landscape Laboratory, University of Minho, and RESINORTE.
Discover more about the art installation here.
Recycling Kits: Empowering Action Locally
Recycling kits, distributed to the seven Green Brigades, included three bags for sorting plastic, paper, and glass. These were made from:
- Repurposed billboards from the Municipality of Guimarães.
- Recycled plastics collected during cleanup events.
- Plastic lids donated by citizens (2433 grams per kit).
The kits promote proper waste management and connect communities to the project’s goals.
Furniture for Environmental Education
Recycled materials were also used to create furniture for educational purposes, including: Benches (5460 grams of recycled plastic each) and Tables (19,480 grams of recycled plastic each). These items are now used during workshops and awareness events, reinforcing the project’s message.
Workshops and E-Book
Interactive Workshops
Between September 26-28, 2024, six workshops engaged students, Green Brigades, and the public in hands-on recycling activities. Participants learned to create replicas of local marine species, deepening their understanding of the recycling process and the importance of sustainability.
E-Book: A Resource for the Future
A digital publication will consolidate the project’s findings, focusing on recycling strategies, community engagement, and lessons learned. It will serve as a valuable tool for ongoing awareness and education. The e-book will be available on the Landscape Laboratory website.
Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
The CleanUp4Guimarães project is a cornerstone of the municipality’s Sustainable Development Action Plan – Guimarães 2030, with a focus on improving water quality and protecting ecosystems. By fostering partnerships, engaging citizens, and implementing innovative solutions, the project sets a model for sustainable environmental action that can be replicated in other regions.
Learn more about CleanUp4Guimarães and its inspiring efforts to protect local rivers on the official Guimarães Municipality page.
