Everyone on the beach with the Smurfs!
Around 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans. Our famous Smurfs are joining the European "EUBeachCleanup" initiative, which invites citizens to take action by cleaning up the beaches.
Throughout the months of September and October, thousands of people will gather on beaches around the world to collect plastic waste, which is a real scourge for the oceans' fauna and flora. The United Nations is also involved in this awareness-raising project, which fits perfectly with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More specifically the goal of reducing marine pollution.
Alongside them, those little comic book characters the Smurfs, SDG ambassadors who advocate values of solidarity, respect for nature and the environment throughout their adventures, are also involved in this campaign.
In 2019, before the pandemic, around 160.000.000 people were involved with and informed about "EuBeachcleanup".
And of course, Belgium is also involved. An awareness campaign will take place on 17 September starting on the Grand-Place in Brussels because the sea begins ... in the sewers.
Preserving our oceans means preserving our planet. So every little gesture has meaning, especially if there are a lot of us. You can join an initiative, wherever you are in the world. Come to the beaches or the riverside and maybe you will meet a Smurf in action.