After searching social media for groups focused on lowering plastic waste in vain, she decided to start one such group herself. Plastic Free Israel was born. “I want to spread the word that everyone can do their part and get involved,” Stav says. After years working as a biologist and a wildlife observer in the Philippines, Stav saw how a grassroots anti-plastic movement gained steam and replicated the group in Tel Aviv. Monthly Plastic Free Israel beach cleanups are gaining traction and their July cleanup included 75 people who picked up 1,000 kilos of trash in just 2 hours. The group is expanding and collaborating with environmental enthusiast group Tel Avir, and each day Stav receives dozens of messages about joining the group. Plastic Free Israel is working with plastic pollution researchers in Israel to add definitive data about the waste that Israel is leaving on its shores. Stav’s advice for people looking to cut down on their waste is to “be prepared and aware. Once we realize how much trash we’re creating and where its going we can think about what to do,” she suggests. “If we look for alternatives, they can exist. All it takes is a conscious decision.”
Check out facebook.com/plasticfreeisrael for more info, and on September 14 & 15 join in on the Flashmob Coastal Cleanup Day