16 tons of litter were collected by 3,200 volunteers from 373 locations across 15 countries during September 2024 for #potavristou - a record AKTI is determined to break this year! 

September is the month of #potavristou, and AKTI invites you to join the movement! Every September since 2019, AKTI has organized the #potavristou campaign, and the process is simple: anyone, anywhere, can “potavristou” – pick up the litter around them, count it, and share the data on AKTI’s social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). Participants can also post their cleanup photos on their own social media using the hashtags #potavristou, #akti, and #SeaTheChange.

In its six years, more than 13,200 volunteers have taken part, collecting 93 tons of litter from 1,315 locations in Cyprusand 358 international sites – from Singapore to  California, Malta, and Japan! 

Since 2019, #potavristou has gone beyond Cyprus, gaining recognition internationally: 

∙ In 2020, awarded by Ocean Conservancy as one of the 10 most innovative global actions for clean coasts and seas. 

∙ In 2021, recognized by the MIO-ECSDE Mediterranean environmental and cultural NGO network. 

∙ In 2022, supported once again by Ocean Conservancy under the #TeamSeas campaign and received the Silver Award at the Carob Awards. 

∙ In 2024, received Special Mention at the Society4Med Awards organized by BlueMissionMed under the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters,” in the category Awareness and Communication Campaigns/Activities.

By participating in #potavristou this year, you will automatically enter a draw to win amazing prizes: 

∙ A hotel stay 

∙ A brunch at a well-known restaurant

1. Wherever you are – mountain, beach, park, field, city, or village – collect as much litter as you can. 

2. Count what you collected (e.g., 3 plastic cups, 5 bottles, 6 cigarette butts, 2 bags).

3. Take a photo of the litter. 

4. Post your photo on Facebook/Instagram with #potavristou, #teamocean, and #akti, along with the location, number of participants, and details of what you collected. If your Instagram account is private, post it on Facebook tagging AKTI Project and Research Centre, or send it to AKTI via Messenger or Instagram DM.

∙ If you are in a remote area, take it with you. 

∙ If transport is difficult, contact your local municipality for assistance or instructions.

∙ If you are on a boat, bring it to the nearest port and place it in the appropriate bins.

∙ If recycling bins are available, use them (especially PMD bins). 

Now that you know how simple it is, don’t put it off… just #potavristou! Now that you know how simple it is, get started and #potavristou!