SUSTAINABILITY ISLAND

In 2013, the PET Cup initiative set sail to win more people to the cause of river clean-up.

In 11 years, PET Cup volunteers have removed more than 400 tonnes of pollutants, mostly macropollutants, from the Tisza and its tributaries, and prevented a further 1200 tonnes of waste from entering the river in Transcarpathia, in the Tisza headwaters

Uniquely, thanks to careful and professional sorting, 60% of the waste collected is recycled back into the economy as valuable secondary raw materials, in a sustainable way.

The PET Cup Association, the driving force behind the PET Cup initiative, focuses on cleaning up rivers and floodplains, while also putting a strong emphasis on raising awareness and raising awareness about river pollution. Environmental efforts are complemented by scientific, citizen science research and innovation projects and educational activities.

At the PET Cup, the process of attitude building starts with leading by example, which inspires more and more young people, so involvement and community building is an organic process in the life of the association. Education programmes are implemented through school sessions and field trips to events, using the tools of experiential learning in an interactive way to invite young people to think together and take active action.

Part of the PET Cup’s mission is to build partnerships through knowledge transfer, collaborations with educational institutions, businesses and government. The aim is to create a network of good practices at national and international level to reduce pollution of rivers and seas.