ENVIRONMENT

Single-use plastics constitute one of the most pressing environmental challenges for the island ecosystems of the Aegean Sea. The extensive consumption of bottled water, particularly during the tourist season, places significant pressure on waste management systems and natural resources.

In response, the University of the Aegean implemented an integrated behaviour-change and reuse initiative combining two complementary actions on the islands of Rhodes and Lesvos.

The first action, “From Plastic to Sustainability”, was developed in Rhodes in the context of Global Recycling Day. Through a participatory research approach, students acted as field researchers, conducting a survey on water consumption habits and the use of single-use plastics. The survey was designed by academic staff from the Department of Primary Education.

Research was conducted among residents, employees, visitors, and local business owners, generating valuable evidence regarding perceptions and willingness to adopt sustainable alternatives. In partnership with the volunteer group “Beautifying Neighborhoods”, the initiative included a public art intervention, alongside the distribution of reusable cups and awareness materials.

Based on the survey findings, follow-up awareness campaigns have been planned to encourage the use of reusable containers and promote a local refill culture. Partnerships with businesses and local stakeholders were also established to support a more sustainable consumption model.

Beyond awareness-raising, the Rhodes initiative generated primary data that can be used to inform local policies and incentive schemes for reducing single-use plastics.

The second action, “Back to the Tap”, was implemented in Mytilene by the Department of Environment of the University of the Aegean as part of the University's environmental awareness strategy. The initiative focused on strengthening public trust in tap water and highlighting the environmental benefits of replacing bottled water consumption with reusable alternatives.

A public water refill station was installed on the University campus, accompanied by a QR-code-based digital information system. Users gained immediate access to water quality data, information on the benefits of refill practices, and estimates of the environmental footprint avoided through reusable bottle use.

At the same time, experiential educational workshops were delivered in schools across Lesvos. Students and teachers learned about the impacts of plastic waste, waste prevention practices, and the role of individual behaviour in environmental protection. A total of 107 students participated, using interactive learning tools and QR-code access to water quality information.

Overall, the initiative demonstrates an integrated approach combining research, education, citizen engagement, digital technologies, and practical infrastructure solutions to reduce single-use plastics.

The project also strengthened cooperation among the University, local authorities, schools, businesses, and civil society, creating favourable conditions for the long-term adoption of sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the initiative establishes a model that can be replicated across additional campuses of the University of the Aegean and other island communities. The Mytilene action has already outlined plans for the development of a wider network of public refill stations within university campuses and host municipalities.

The innovation of the initiative lies in transforming the University of the Aegean into a genuine Sustainability Living Lab, where teaching, research, and community engagement are directly connected to real environmental challenges.

The initiative combines:

• Participatory research with active student involvement.
• Sustainability education and awareness-raising for diverse social groups.
• Partnerships with businesses and public authorities.
• Digital information tools using QR codes.
• Quantification of environmental benefits derived from avoiding single-use plastics.
• Development of a local refill culture.
• Linking scientific knowledge generation with practical interventions in public and university spaces.

This approach enables the co-creation of solutions with local communities while enhancing the transferability and scalability of the model across other islands and Mediterranean regions.

Importantly, the innovation goes beyond infrastructure or data collection. It is rooted in social innovation, empowering students, citizens, businesses, and public institutions to become active co-creators of environmental transition.