Plastic bags have become an ever-present blot on the Cypriot landscape-stuck on fences, strewn across beaches, blowing across fields, clogging storm drains and hurting wildlife. In an attempt to help tackle this problem, USAID's Supporting Activities that Value the Environment (SAVE) project provided a grant to a concerned community group to spread the word about the benefits of reusable bags.

CADER Development and Culture Organization has mobilized local children to be part of a month-long series of activities that will emphasize the harm of overusing plastic bags.  Over twenty performances have been organized in cooperation with participating supermarkets where children will display their artwork and placards during peak shopping hours.  The children will also engage shoppers in the aisles and at the cashiers to explain the aim of their campaign and elicit support.  Over 1,500 reusable bags with informative leaflets will be distributed to shoppers as well.

Similar to SAVE's 2009 "Change is in the Bag" campaign, CADER's activities will increase public awareness and reinforce the message that everyone can make a difference. Together, small actions can result in big change! Like all U.S.-funded programs in Cyprus, SAVE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including through better protection and management of Cyprus' valuable natural and cultural resources.

Did you know?

• Plastic bags can take up to 1000 years to break down.
  
  

• Plastic bags suffocate, disable and kill thousands of marine animals and sea birds each year.
  
  
• One reusable bag lasts four years on average and replaces 1200 - 1600 plastic bags.