In a bold initiative to celebrate Earth Day 2025, Plastic Free Onlus is gearing up for an international mobilization aimed at environmental restoration. On April 26 and 27, the organization is set to host over 200 clean-up events across Italy and in 30 other countries, calling upon thousands of volunteers to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.
With the theme of this year’s Earth Day being "Our Power, Our Planet," the event marks the 55th edition of the global celebration, which is recognized by the United Nations to promote environmental awareness and action. As the world grapples with climate change and resource depletion, Plastic Free Onlus is encouraging communities to take tangible steps towards sustainability.
Luca De Gaetano, founder and president of Plastic Free, expressed the organization’s commitment to mobilizing over 10,000 volunteers for this two-day event. “Every year, we actively engage over 10,000 volunteers in a weekend filled with energy, sharing, and concrete actions to leave a positive mark on the planet,” he stated. The ambitious goal for this year is to remove at least 100,000 kilograms of plastic waste from natural environments.
Plastic Free has been operational since 2019, and in that time, it has organized more than 7,800 environmental events, engaging over 260,000 volunteers and removing an impressive 4.4 million kilograms of waste from various locations. The organization has also made significant strides in marine conservation, having helped save over 230 adult sea turtles and supported the birth of more than 6,700 hatchlings, often victims of ocean pollution.
Participating in a clean-up event not only contributes to environmental health but also offers a unique travel experience. Volunteers may find themselves exploring previously unvisited beaches in Puglia, scenic rivers in the Apennines, or urban parks in major cities. These often-overlooked locations are rich in biodiversity and history, making the clean-up efforts both rewarding and educational.
For those interested in joining, registration is free and can be completed on the Plastic Free website, where participants can select the location closest to them or choose a site they wish to discover anew. This initiative not only aims to clean but also to foster a sense of community and connection among volunteers.
In a collaborative effort, Plastic Free is partnering with Treedom, an Italian BCorp that has been dedicated to environmental and social sustainability through tree planting for over 15 years. This partnership will allow individuals to plant trees online to support clean-up activities and marine conservation efforts.
Plastic Free’s extensive outreach includes educational initiatives, having conducted 3,600 meetings in schools, reaching nearly 300,000 students. Their efforts extend beyond clean-ups; they have signed 471 protocols with local administrations, recognizing 122 municipalities as "Plastic Free" for their commitment to reducing plastic waste.
The upcoming Earth Day serves as a critical reminder of the impact individuals can have on the environment. By participating in local clean-up events, people can express their love for the planet and contribute to a collective movement aimed at restoring and preserving natural beauty.
As the world observes Earth Day 2025, the call to action is clear: everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment. Whether it’s through participating in a clean-up, educating others, or simply making more sustainable choices in daily life, the opportunity to make a positive impact is within reach.
The clean-up events on April 26 and 27 promise to be more than just a day of work; they are an invitation to explore, connect, and give back to the Earth. As communities come together to tackle plastic pollution, the hope is that these small actions will inspire larger changes towards a sustainable future.
