This project is a pilot action that aims to work toward a plastic free
university campus. It is supported by the rectorate and seen as a chance in setting
the example for other Balkan Union Universities.
Several objectives are to be achieved:
- Reducing the number of plastic bottles used in the campus. 13 water fountains will be installed, and re-fillable bottles will be distributed. The goal is to save 650 000 plastic bottles per year.
- Reducing plastic in congresses and symposia namelyby using recycled cardboard and jute for name badges, banning plastic bottles or plastic glasses and using pens in recycled paper.
- Sharing tote bags in talks and presentations. The 2019 tax on plastic bags has already helped to reduce their usage but the progress is slow, and they are still freely distributed in open vegetable markets. This objective encourages and helps students to change their
habits towards plastic bags.
- Zero Waste policy. The government launched a “0 waste” pilot campaign (Sifir atik) in some places of Turkey. The activities proposed by the campaign will be tested and implemented on the campus.
- Cleaning days on the riverside. Cleaning days will be organized to raise awareness among students and the public about plastic pollution.
- Arts and practical recycling workshop. A recycling plant will be build by students in the art department to promote recycling among the public. With scientific facts, info-graphics, graphic design, photos, sculptures, people will be more aware of the regional and global problems caused by plastics.
– An awareness campaign involving the distribution of reusable bags and water bottles was run by a group of student volunteers recruited for the project.
– In total, BeMed’s financial support enabled the installation of 11 water fountains in the various departments of the University. The results of the use of the fountains are difficult to assess due to the long period when the students were confined at this time. Nevertheless, reusable bottles became very common.
– Nine clean-ups took place with multiple participants (students, teachers, associations, volunteers).
