Eurostatdata says the average Cypriot produces almost 2 kilos of rubbish per day, or 663 kilos per year.

The problem is magnified by the fact that 80% of solid waste is disposed of in unlicensed dumps or landfills, with very little recycling available, Artemis Palaiogianni-Bellou, communications officer for Green Dot Cyprus, said.

Green Dot is one of the few non-governmental organisations operating in the area of recycling on the island, together with Cans for Kids, a charity that recycles aluminium cans to raise funds to buy medical equipment for children hospitals.

“Cyprus traditionally holds one of the first places among the 28 EU countries in the production of municipal solid waste,” said Palaiogianni-Bellou said. “It’s based on a philosophy we have in Greece and Cyprus and some other countries that what isn’t in my house, and is out of sight, it doesn’t really exist; to consume, and just throw away.”

Palaiogianni-Bellou said the new “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle” campaign is a multi-faceted approach to encourage a change in people’s habits. “We have to help people shift from consuming to learning how to consume less,” she said.

The campaign, co-financed by the EU which will stretch over a 34-month period and will cost nearly €2.2 million, will particularly target children, teenagers, and young couples towards more sustainable waste management.

Source: Cyprus Mail