Menorca, a beautiful island located in the Mediterranean, is grappling with a growing plastic pollution crisis that affects its pristine coastline and natural environment. Despite its scenic beauty, Menorca generates over 100 kilograms of plastic waste per person each year, with a staggering 75% of this waste ending up in landfills, and only 14% being exported for recycling. As a result, the island’s beaches—stretching over 400 kilometers—are becoming increasingly contaminated with both macro and microplastics.

To address this critical environmental challenge, the TUI Care Foundation has partnered with Menorca Preservation to launch a transformative three-year initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste on the island. The project, which is a key part of the Destination Zero Waste programme, is tackling plastic pollution head-on, focusing on waste collection, recycling, and upcycling efforts to protect Menorca’s natural heritage.

Collecting and Recycling Plastic Waste

Over the course of the project, a total of 17,800 kilograms of plastic waste will be collected across Menorca, with 4,800 kilograms earmarked for recycling and 11,500 kilograms designated for upcycling. This waste collection initiative covers a wide range of environments, from beaches and seabeds to wooded areas and rocky coastlines, where discarded plastic has infiltrated the ecosystem. Materials such as fishing nets, broken parasols, and old wetsuits are among the various items collected during these efforts.

A significant portion of this collected plastic is passed on to PescArt Menorca, a local artisan group that specializes in recycling and upcycling. The team of artisans and artists transforms discarded plastic into creative and functional products, including artwork, furniture, and various handmade items. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also offers a sustainable alternative to mass-produced products while promoting the value of craftsmanship and local artistry.

The Role of Plastic Lab Menorca in Innovation

In addition to the plastic collection and upcycling efforts, Menorca is establishing the Plastic Lab Menorca, a cutting-edge facility designed to convert plastic waste into viable products. The lab will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and development, providing a platform for experimenting with new ways to repurpose plastics into useful materials.

One of the key components of the project is the active involvement of local schools, social groups, tourists, and tourism businesses. Plastic collection outings are organized with these groups to raise awareness and encourage participation in environmental preservation. These activities will also contribute to the creation of 30 green jobs for marginalized communities, providing individuals with valuable skills through workshops and hands-on training. To further promote the initiative, two exhibitions per year will be organized, showcasing the results of the upcycling efforts and highlighting the artistic products created from waste.

Engaging Businesses and Promoting Sustainable Tourism

The initiative’s success also relies on the engagement of local businesses. 60 businesses on the island are participating in the Plastic Free Balearics Certification, a program aimed at encouraging hospitality businesses to adopt sustainable practices and reduce plastic usage. Non-hospitality businesses are encouraged to join the Plastic Free Menorca Commitment, which seeks to eliminate single-use plastics in various sectors.

Sustainable tourism is also a key focus of the project. The TUI Care Foundation and Menorca Preservation are developing new eco-friendly experiences for visitors, including educational snorkeling and scuba diving sessions, as well as upcycling workshops, to engage and educate over 2,100 tourists about the importance of environmental conservation. These experiences not only provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the island’s delicate ecosystem but also promote responsible tourism that aligns with sustainability goals.

A Vision for Plastic-Free Beaches

One of the project’s major goals is to designate and maintain Menorca’s first plastic-free beach. This beach will serve as a model for sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship, promoting the island as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers. By reducing plastic pollution and offering an example of successful waste management, Menorca aims to inspire other coastal destinations to adopt similar practices.

A Global Movement for Zero Waste

The Destination Zero Waste Programme, which is being implemented in various destinations worldwide, including Curacao, Jamaica, Zanzibar, Mauritius, Cyprus, and Sicily, is helping reshape the way waste is managed in tourism hotspots. The program encourages destinations to explore innovative waste reduction and reuse strategies while creating green job opportunities and promoting a circular economy. Through the partnership between the TUI Care Foundation and Menorca Preservation, Menorca is becoming a pivotal example of how a sustainable tourism model can benefit both the environment and the local economy.

As the project moves forward, the hope is that Menorca’s commitment to reducing plastic waste will not only restore its natural beauty but also inspire other tourist destinations to take similar steps toward sustainability. With strong community involvement, business participation, and innovation, Menorca is demonstrating that the fight against plastic pollution can be successful, benefiting both the environment and future generations.

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