News

From 5 June to 4 August, the "Don't lie in the garbage" campaign ran on social media for almost the entire length of summer, aiming to attract the attention of beach-goers, educate them about the environmental consequences of our actions and the opportunities to relax on beaches in an environmentally friendly way. The campaign information was posted in the municipalities of Ādaži, South Kurzeme, Saulkrasti, Limbaži, Talsi, Tukums, Ventspils, on social media platforms, and a video was published on public transport in Riga for a week, calling people to think about their actions on the beach and their impact on nature, reaching the total target audience of 80,138 people.

Interactive stand "Don't lie in the garbage" in Pape

During the Waste to Resources campaign, 10 interactive stands were installed in various coastal locations across Latvia this summer, showing the most common waste in coastal areas and providing suggestions on how we can become more environmentally friendly and help with our everyday choices. Interactive stands educate people in a simple way about the environmental consequences of our actions and the opportunities to relax on beaches in an environmentally friendly way. For example, to use reusable storage containers for food and drinks. Disposable containers - plates, forks and other food wrappers - are the most common types of waste found along the seashores, accounting for 29% of all waste found along seashore. They are followed by plastic bags (12%) and cigarette butts (7%).

Participants of the competition Sandra and Laura with their won bicycles

To reach as wide audience as possible and to promote environmental responsibility, the campaign launched a competition on Facebook reaching the total audience of 43,774, mainly 18-24 year olds. The "Don't lie in the garbage!" competition gave a chance to win 3 bicycles made of end-of-life, broken-down bicycles, giving them a second chance. To participate in the contest, it was necessary to take a photo at one of the 10 stands installed in the specially protected nature areas of Vecāķi and Daugavgrīva beaches in Riga, in Limbaži Municipality at the environmental object Balta Saule and sightseeing tower of the Randu meadows, Lilaste, Kolkasrags at Ovīši lighthouse and Pape lighthouse, Užava river estuary, Tūja, and upload the photo on Facebook with the hashtag #WasteToResources attached thereto. The competition ended on 4 August with 3 lucky bike owners. Congratulations to Laura Puceta, Gvido Lindemanis and Sandra Polgina! Have a great ride on your new bikes!

Gvido Lindemanis with the won bike

Thanks to everyone who shared the campaign information, the contest entry, sent photos and participated in the contest! Together, we are responsible for a beautiful, well-maintained and clean beach! So please keep up you responsibility and pick up the litter you leave behind - What you bring, you take with you!