EBEN 2020

AMBASSADORS CLUB OF EBEN BOOKLET 2020 37 HELMEPA 10 tips fromHELMEPA to protect the environment The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association, known as HELMEPA (www.helmepa.gr ), is the voluntary, non-profit organization founded in 1982 in Piraeus by Greek seafarers and shipowners, with the aim to eliminate ship-generated pollution. Its mission is to create environmental awareness in shipping, "from the shipowner to the last seafarer" and to strengthen the spirit of safety through continuous information and training of the human factor. With the motto "To Save the Seas", the volunteer Members - seafarers, companies and ships - consistently support this initiative along with environmental awareness activities of the educational community and the wider public throughout Greece, in which thousands of children and adults participate in. In Greece it is also becoming widely recognized that great changes begin by changing ourselves. For us to be able to make our planet a better place for the next generations, there are some simple habits that we can adopt in our daily lives to protect our natural environment! Which are these? Separate recyclables. Recyclables in the recycling bin, everything else in the standard garbage bin. Use bicycles. Cycling is a very easy way to exercise, but also to save energy and fuel. Use a cloth shopping bag instead of plastic. It is very easy to have a cloth bag in our car or in our backpack, which we can use for our daily shopping. Use eco-friendly cups… straws, bottles and thermos! The options that can be found in various designs and colors are now endless. We choose the one that suits us best and set a good example to those around us. Do not waste electricity - be energy efficient! Only start the washing machine when the tub is full. We do not forget our devices on. We unplug appliances we do not use. For example, the TV consumes power even when the screen is off. Finally, we prefer appliances that have lower energy consumption, especially when it comes to air conditioning and refrigerator. Do not leave the tap running. It is one of the most basic and easiest steps we can all take to reduce consumption and save water. Also, you may reduce water pressure in the shower. Replace standard light bulbs with energy saving ones. In this way we consume less energy and spend less money. Specifically, these bulbs consume four to five times less energy and last eight to fifteen times longer! Plant your balcony, terrace or garden. From vegetables, to herbs or just a beautiful flower will completely change the aesthetics of the space and will offer a breath of fresh air to your town or city. Use less paper. The average office worker consumes 80 kg of paper a year! This amount can be reduced by using electronic devices to take notes. You may also print on both sides of the paper! Take part in n voluntary cleaning activities! Get actively involved in volunteering and become the example to those around you! If you are interested in coastal cleanup programs, you can register for HELMEPA’s upcoming "Let's Cleanup Europe" campaign, which will take place in Greece and the rest of Europe in May/June 2021! No Garbage, No Plastics in our seas and on our beaches, in parks and forests! And remember… there are no "small" voluntary actions!