Mojácar Joins, for Another Year, the Green Flags Movement for Sustainability

Mojácar Council has once again joined the Green Flags movement for sustainability, promoted by the non-profit company Ecovidrio. More than 140 municipalities have participated in obtaining the Green Flags for sustainability in its fourth edition, launched by Ecovidrio, the company responsible for managing the recycling of glass container waste in Spain. This campaign aims to reward the efforts and activism of coastal municipalities on sustainability during the summer, especially regarding the correct management of waste.

The announcement of this incorporation was made by the Mojácar Mayor, Francisco García Cerdá, accompanied by the Environment Councillor in Mojácar Council, Sergio Alonso. Their aim is to encourage and promote the recycling of glass in line with boosting recycling in all areas, one of the strategic objectives of the government led by the locality’s Mayor. Francisco García Cerdá emphasized the importance of respecting the ecosystem, reaffirming his commitment to the environment and promoting initiatives that advance the circular economy, reduce pollution, waste, and the consumption of natural resources. He sees this as “another opportunity to position ourselves on the environmental map and to be among the most responsible and active municipalities in addressing this global problem.”

The Green Flags movement is a project that aims to address the high levels of glass container consumption during the summer, mainly in the hospitality sector, although it also extends to private users and other types of activities, particularly focusing on coastal areas with high levels of tourism. To qualify for a green flag, it is necessary to comply with a series of requirements based on criteria such as an increase in the volume of selective collection of glass containers compared to the previous year, the collaboration of the hospitality sector, and the commitment of the local council in advancing the campaign and its promotion.

Ecovidrio, on its part, commits to local authorities by providing them with the necessary means to carry out this work, including installing new bins or carrying out information campaigns among hospitality businesses, among other actions. At the end of the summer, nine new green flags are awarded throughout the country, two of which will go to Andalucía. Mojácar already obtained this award in 2021, ranking first in Almería province and fifth in Andalucia. In the 2022 edition, the set objectives were achieved, resulting in a campaign with great results.

Within the framework of the Green Flags movement, during the summer of 2022, 52,302 tonnes of glass containers were collected in the 135 participating coastal localities, a 16% increase from 2021. Thanks to all the glass recovered, it was possible to avoid the emission of 30,335 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to taking 14,000 cars out of circulation; avoid the extraction of 62,762 tonnes of raw material, and save 37,354 MWH of energy. Mojácar Council and the locality’s tourism sector, especially hospitality, are collaborating on this campaign as another action carried out throughout the year to achieve tourism in line with new preferences, such as concern for health and the consequences of climate change, creating an impact and a trend when choosing a sustainable and quality destination.