Introduction
June 5 marks World Environment Day, and this year, it also kicks off the summer season. BAT Romania is launching a new campaign under its “Choose Responsibly for a Clean City” platform. The campaign encourages tourists to adopt eco-friendly behaviors during their holidays, especially by keeping beaches and waters clean. With catchy messages like “This summer, leave only memories at the seaside, not waste” and “This summer, leave only footprints on the sand, not packaging,” the initiative aims to inspire change through media and online channels.
The Problem
Every summer, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the Romanian coast. Unfortunately, they leave behind tens of tons of waste. The majority of this waste (over 85%) consists of artificial polymers, with metal, glass, ceramics, rubber, paper, cardboard, textiles, and processed wood making up the rest. Waste isn’t just found on the beaches; it also floats in the sea or sinks to the bottom.
Campaign Goals
Now in its sixth year, the “Choose Responsibly for a Clean City” campaign aligns with BAT’s sustainability goals. The aim is to promote eco-responsible behavior in daily life, contributing to a better future through individual actions.
Key Messages
- Clean Beaches: Encourage tourists to keep the beaches clean.
- Eco-Friendly Habits: Promote simple, eco-responsible behaviors.
- Community Involvement: Emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in caring for the environment.
BAT’s Commitment to Sustainability
BAT is recognized by the Financial Times as a climate leader for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability. Ileana Dumitru, External Affairs Director for South Eastern Europe at BAT, emphasizes the importance of individual actions in maintaining clean waters and beaches. BAT is committed to building a better tomorrow for both its consumers and society.
Employee Initiatives
BAT Romania’s 3,000+ employees actively participate in various initiatives:
- Blood Donation: Regular campaigns to encourage blood donations.
- Selective Waste Collection: Promoting recycling and waste reduction.
- Tree Planting: Over 5,000 trees planted in Calarasi County this year.
- Waste Reduction: Replacing disposable cups with ceramic ones, reducing waste by over 2 tons annually.
Circular Sustainability Vision
BAT Romania’s sustainability approach covers the entire product lifecycle. In 2021, BAT launched a national recycling scheme for its glo devices, later extending it to vaping devices. With over 360 collection points, more than 155,000 devices have been collected so far.
Recognized Achievements
- Dow Jones Sustainability Index: Acknowledges BAT’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
- Financial Times Climate Leaders: Honors BAT’s success in reducing carbon emissions.
Conclusion
World Environment Day 2024 isn’t just about celebrating; it’s about taking action. BAT Romania’s campaign encourages us to make responsible choices this summer. Simple actions, like leaving only footprints on the sand, can have a significant impact. Let’s all contribute to a cleaner, greener future by adopting eco-friendly habits.
Get Involved
- Share the Message: Use social media to spread awareness about eco-responsible behavior.
- Participate in Initiatives: Join local clean-up events and other environmental activities.
- Make Small Changes: Adopt simple habits like reducing waste and recycling.
