Roughly thirty take part in clinic on ditching single-use plastics

foto 2020 taller plasti-fri1The Formentera Department of Environment reports that nearly thirty people turned out today for a workshop aimed at helping Formentera hotels, restaurants and cafés eliminate single-use plastics. Held in the hall of ceremonies of local government, the event was sponsored by the Consell de Formentera, Ibiza and Formentera Marine Forum and Plastic Free.

Environment chief Antonio J Sanz opened the event by applauding both of the Consell’s co-sponsors for their ecological commitment. “This is an incredibly important day”, he said, before launching into an enumeration of the day’s talking points, like application of new Balearic legislation on waste and alternatives to single-use plastics.

Ibiza Preservation Fund’s Sandra Benbeniste said Formentera’s own environmental advocacy was worthy of praise as well, insisting “the goal here is to keep the process moving forward; progress like Formentera’s is ideal”. Benbeniste insisted that the island’s size and particular configuration made it “a shoo-in as a leader in sustainability”.

A range of alternatives to disposable plastics were spotlighted over the course of the day, as well as examples of companies that have opted to say no to such single-use products. Spokespeople from Can Vent and Gecko Hotel gave presentations of efforts at both establishments to nix single-use plastics.

The decision to stage today’s workshop on Formentera and another one, 1 April, on Eivissa can be traced back to the Ibiza and Formentera Marine Forum, a group that insists the Balearic legislation on waste involves far from simple requirements affecting individuals and, even more, businesses. The present moment offers a unique occasion to foment new habits in consumption, they say, as well as the chance to appreciate the Pine Islands’ natural surroundings and shape a future for them that is sustainable.

10 March 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera