Semana do Mar Sem Plástico is a nationwide campaign taking place from 10 to 16 November 2025, mobilizing people across Portugal to protect our waters from plastic pollution.
During this dedicated week, individuals, schools, Rotary clubs, municipalities, and organizations come together to host cleanups, educational events, creative campaigns, and community actions — all aimed at raising awareness and reducing plastic waste in nature.
This is a non-commercial, volunteer-driven initiative open to anyone who wants to take part. Whether you clean a beach with your family, run a school workshop, or create a public installation — you are contributing to a collective impact.
The Idea Behind the Campaign
Plastic is everywhere: in our oceans, rivers, soil, air, and even inside our bodies. Over 80% of it is not recycled. By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea.
And yet, many people still feel disconnected from the issue — or powerless to do something about it.
Semana do Mar Sem Plástico was born out of the belief that:
- Local actions matter
- Collaboration beats isolation
- Awareness is the first step toward change
Through a shared national framework, we make it easier for individuals and groups to contribute meaningfully — in their own way, in their own community.
Our Goals for 2025
- Engage at least 1,000 volunteers across Portugal
- Host and promote a wide variety of local actions
- Visibly reduce plastic waste in targeted locations
- Create long-term partnerships with schools, clubs, and municipalities
- Raise awareness about plastic pollution — and its solutions
How It Works
Anyone can participate in Semana do Mar Sem Plástico in one of three ways:
- Join an existing event Find a cleanup, talk, or initiative near you on our event map.
- Host your own activity Use our simple form to submit your event. We’ll add it to the map and help you share it.
- Spread the message Download our campaign kit, post on social media, or engage your school, community, or workplace.
- All contributions are voluntary. There is no “right” size or format — it can be a solo beach walk or a town-wide effort. Every action counts.
A National Campaign with Global Roots
This campaign is part of the End Plastic Soup movement, launched in Amsterdam in 2018 and now supported by over 400 Rotary and Rotaract clubs in 50+ countries. The mission: to eliminate plastic waste in nature by 2050.
In Portugal, Rotary Atlantico leads this effort under the umbrella of End Plastic Soup Portugal, working with fellow clubs, citizens, and partners to turn environmental concern into action.
By coordinating Semana do Mar Sem Plástico, we connect local participation to a global mission — and show that Portugal can be a leader in protecting our waters.
Why Join?
- You care about the ocean, rivers, or your local environment
- You believe in practical action over empty words
- You want to be part of a growing community of people making a difference
- You want to bring a meaningful activity to your school, company, town, or club
Together, we can stop turning our ocean into plastic soup.