NGO Green Home, in collaboration with NGO Društvo mladih ekologa, Regional Development Agency – Ulcinj Business Association RDA-UBA, and NGO ECOM, successfully implemented the Low Plastic Zone Initiative, joined by 750 HORECA businesses in Montenegro. Businesses from nine Montenegrin cities joined the initiative: Podgorica, Nikšić, Danilovgrad, Cetinje, Budva, Ulcinj, Bar, Herceg Novi, and Tivat.
The Low Plastic Zone implies to a commitment to reducing the use of single-use plastic products by switching to sustainable alternatives or ceasing their use altogether. These products include plastic bags, cups, straws, stirrers, spoons, and similar items.
The HORECA sector is one of the key sectors significantly contributing to single-use plastic waste, which often ends up in the sea and becomes part of marine litter. The pollution of Adriatic Sea waters has become a serious regional challenge for Western Balkan countries and the EU countries bordering the Adriatic Sea. Besides threats to ecosystems, the increase in plastic waste in rivers and along the coast is a threat to economic activities such as tourism and fisheries, as well as the health and well-being of the region’s citizens. Up to 90% of the waste found in the Adriatic Sea is plastic waste. Of this, about 35% comes from recreational activities along the coast, while 65% comes from the mainland. According to estimates, 100-150 million tons of single-use plastic products are produced each year, with about 8 million tons ending up in seas and oceans.
We are particularly pleased that this initiative will help reduce the pressure on marine ecosystems. The importance of this initiative primarily lies in reducing the generation of plastic waste, as 750 HORECA businesses have committed to reducing the use of single-use plastics, directly contributing to a decrease in the amount of plastic waste generated. Additionally, the initiative focused on raising awareness among citizens and tourists about the importance of reducing plastic use through an intensive social media campaign. In this regard, the visibility of the LPZ label in hospitality establishments will encourage all visitors to think about more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Green Home, together with its partners, expresses gratitude to all hospitality establishments and participants in the Low Plastic Zone project for their dedication and contribution to environmental protection.
The Low Plastic Zone Initiative was implemented with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
