#potavristou again in 2026! Don’t just lie back, take action!
September is the month of #Potavristou, and AKTI has been inviting people to join for seven years!
The process is simple. Anyone, alone or in a group of friends, can take part anywhere. Pick up the litter around you, count it, and record the data in the free Clean Swell app (available on Play Store and App Store), or send it directly to AKTI via social media.
You can also share photos of your cleanup on social media using the hashtags #potavristou, #akti, and #SeaTheChange.
#Potavristou Results to Date:
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volunteers
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tons of waste collected
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locations worldwide
Over seven years of #Potavristou, more than 17,000 volunteers have collected 110 tons of waste from more than 2,095 locations worldwide.
Most of this litter would otherwise have ended up in the sea after the first rains, beginning a harmful cycle and eventually returning to our lives as microplastics.
How to Take Part
- Join individually, with friends, or as part of a group.
- Wherever you are, on the beach or on a boat, reach out and #potavristou! Collect any litter you see. Extend your action to a full beach cleanup if you wish.
- Count what you collect: plastic cups, bottles, cigarette butts, bags, etc.
- Take photos.
- Post them on social media (Facebook or Instagram with #potavristou, #teamocean, #akti, including what you collected, your location, and the number of participants.
- You can also use the free Clean Swell app by Ocean Conservancy (Play Store / App Store).
- If your Instagram is private, post your photos on Facebook tagging AKTI Project and Research Centre, on AKTI’s page, or send them via Messenger. This is important for recording field data and comparing it with past and future actions.
- What to do with the waste:
- On a remote beach, take it with you.
- On a public beach, place it in recycling bins (PMD bins are common).
- On a boat, dispose of it at the nearest port in the appropriate bins.
Recognition:
Since 2019, #Potavristou has grown beyond Cyprus:
- In 2020, it was recognized by Ocean Conservancy as one of the 10 most innovative global actions for clean coasts and seas.
- In 2021, it received an award from the Mediterranean environmental and cultural NGO network MIO-ECSDE.
- In 2022, it received renewed support from Ocean Conservancy under the #TeamSeas initiative and won a Silver Award at the Carob Awards 2022.
- In 2024, #Potavristou received a special mention at the Society4Med Awards, organized by BlueMissionMed within the framework of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, in the category “Awareness and Communication Campaigns/Activities.”
- In 2025, AKTI received the European Citizens’ Gold Award, presented during the Delphi Economic Forum by Europa Nostra, recognizing 25 years of pioneering work in sustainability across Cyprus and Europe. The #potavristou campaign was highlighted by the committee as one of the organization’s most innovative and pioneering initiatives.
#Potavristou 2024 Banner
#Potavristou 2024 Results
During September 2024, more than 16 tons of waste were collected by 3,200 volunteers across 265 sites in Cyprus and 108 sites in 14 countries, marking the sixth consecutive year of the campaign.
From the Philippines to Tanzania, and from Spain to Ireland, volunteers cleaned coasts, mountains, parks, and lakes, sending in invaluable field data.
87% of the waste collected was plastic.
Campaign History
The first #Potavristou took place in September 2019. Inspired by AKTI Project and Research Centre, it started as a spontaneous initiative by citizens.
It was remarkably forward-thinking. Long before the pandemic, the campaign allowed large numbers of volunteers to clean coasts while avoiding crowds, a practice that later became essential during Covid-19.
#Potavristou – September 2019
On 21 September 2019, World Coastal Cleanup Day, people were invited to take part wherever they were to help clean seas and coasts.
Over 500 participants collected plastics, bottles, bags, food packaging, nets, and more.
In total, 5.5 tons of waste were removed: waste that might otherwise have reached the sea and returned as microplastics.
#Potavristou – September 2020
The campaign continued throughout September 2020 after the strong response in 2019:
Over 12 million views on social media and media coverage
2,016 volunteers from 187 sites in Cyprus and 20 abroad
12 tons of waste collected, 70% plastic
#Potavristou – September 2021
The 2021 results:
Over 12 million views through social media and media
2,590 volunteers from 114 sites in Cyprus and 63 abroad
13.5 tons of waste collected, 87% plastic
#Potavristou – September 2022
In 2022, results increased further:
12.3 million views through social media and media
2,620 volunteers from 243 sites in Cyprus and 72 abroad
16 tons of waste collected, 86% plastic
#Potavristou – September 2023
During September 2023, the fifth consecutive year:
85% of the waste collected was plastic
30 tons of waste collected by 2,832 volunteers from 201 sites in Cyprus and 93 sites in 14 countries
Volunteers cleaned coasts, mountains, parks, and lakes from Malta to Australia, and from California to the Black Sea
Wherever you are, #potavristou!
