The Cyclades Unified organization, with funding from the Cyclades Preservation Fund -CPF, is implementing a targeted initiative on the island of Kimolos: the distribution of 5,000 straws made from wheat, with the aim of reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting sustainable everyday practices.

In collaboration with the Kimolos Volunteer Group Kimolistes Amke, during the screening of the children’s film “Delphinomikroulis 1” at the Medieval Castle of Kimolos on Thursday, September 4, 2025, straws made from grain crops were distributed free of charge to young movie lovers and adults. #Staramaki

We handed out informational material and answered our young friends queries about the adoption of environmentally friendly, biodegradable wheat straws.

Plastic straws are among the 10 most common types of litter found on European beaches. Every year, more than 36 billion straws are consumed in Europe, most of which end up in the environment. A plastic straw takes up to 200 years to decompose.

It does not decompose completely, but breaks down into microplastics, which pollute the marine ecosystem, enter the food chain, and eventually end up on our plates. In contrast, straws made from natural materials are biodegradable and return safely to the environment without leaving toxic residues or microplastics.

We would like to thank Ms. Sofia Chanioti and 4env, for her collaboration. In order to raise awareness, Ms. Chanioti created a special informational video that shows the spread of plastic straws as waste and highlights the need to turn to alternative solutions.