The "Run from Plastic" Project was launched in the Republic of Moldova

The project "Fugi de PLASTIC/Run from PLASTIC" is designed by JSC "EcoDigital" in partnership with AO Training and Consulting Centre "E-CIRCULAR", AO Run Moldova and AO Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Packaging from Moldova (APIAM) with the financial support of the Small Grants Program GEF SGP Moldova, implemented by UNDP. Project implementation period: November 2022 – November 2023.

Target targetcorner "Fugi de PLASTIC/Run from PLASTIC" is to reduce plastic waste pollution by raising public awareness of the impact of plastic on health and the environment in parallel with the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Project objectives:

• Access to various informational sources regarding the reduction of plastic pollution through different methods (Refill, plogging, etc.);
• Reducing PLASTIC pollution by expanding the collection infrastructure;
• Sensitization of public opinion regarding plastic pollution through movement and access to Eco and reusable product alternatives (plogging and informative seminars).

In the context in which we record a constant increase in the amount of plastic waste, and their recycling rate remains very low, not only in the Republic of Moldova (estimated 3%) but also globally (9%), it is understandable that recycling is not a sufficient solution in the fight against this hazardous waste for the environment and health. Starting from this argumentation, the project proposes to interact directly with the country's population of all ages and genders to raise awareness of their perception of plastic packaging and waste by adopting healthy and sustainable practices based on the most correct options of Waste hierarchy (prevention, reduction and reuse). In this process and in achieving the established objective, together with the partners (co-financiers) of the project, we proposed an innovative approach at the national level, namely to reduce plastic pollution first MOVEMENT and respectively to inspire the people of the Republic of Moldova to build a connection with the environment through education, sanitation and trail adventures. In this beautiful mission we have as a partner AO Run Moldova with which we will organize 5 sports campaigns in several localities in the country (EcoRun Hîncești, Volvo Ultra Race, Volvo Ultra Race, Dragonul de Aur Marathon, La Fetești Marathon and Dantes Heel Ultra).

Through these events we will promote the concept of Plogging (a combination of jogging with litter picking) and respectively interact together to restore the health of the natural ecosystem. As a workout, plogging offers variations in body movements through bending, squatting and stretching to the main action of running, hiking or walking.

All project activities will be nationally replicable and will serve as an example of responsible plastic waste management this time with an increased focus on preventing the formation of this waste.