More than 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean yearly. Micro plastic has been found in our drinking water, food and even in the human placenta. To get the plastic pollution problem under control, our acts matter. It’s not about cleaning the beaches but raising awareness and increasing pressure on policy makers. Too much trash is produced to be handled efficiently.
REFUSE single use items. REDUCE packaging. REUSE as much as you can to avoid buying new.
Let’s be inspired by the different works of artists, associations and environmentalists in Portugal to RETHINK.
Together, we can raise awareness to protect our oceans.
The Trash Traveler
Andreas Noe, a molecular biologist (LinkedIn) from Germany, came to Portugal in 2018 to surf at the beaches of Lisbon and couldn’t look away from all the plastic anymore. The polluted beaches made him quit his biomedical career to go on a journey of awareness with fun and positivity. His first project “The Travel Trash” project resulted in 160 Ukulele songs and trash videos while removing almost 1 ton of plastic along Portugal.
ZeroWaste Shop Ambassador:
10 % discount with “thetrashtraveler”
Sustainability Ambassador for their recycled and natural collections and ciruclar processes.
Ambassador for a company that stands for upcycling and circular processes: Get your bamboo pocket ashtray with Trash Traveler Logo!
Ambassador for an educational program for students that leads to a connection to the ocean.
The Plastic Hike
In lockdown 2020, Andreas realised that we got to learn and raise awareness together – not alone. So, he decided to hike the entire 832 km long coastline of Portugal to meet NGOs, initiatives and environmentalists: “The Plastic Hike”, that’s how it all started. Within 58 days non-stop walking on sand, Andreas met 560 people to pick up 1,6 tons of plastic and raise awareness together with a community. Is the beach clean now? No, as it is not about cleaning! “The Plastic Hike” shall be interpreted in a way that we are always on a “hike” to learn and to try to do better. Let’s go on a hike together to save the ocean.
The Team
The Trash Traveler started with 1 person and during the 2 years The Fantastic Team got created. Raising awareness is better together.
Camera With No Name
Carolina and Augusto have joined the plastic hike for all 58 days behind their cameras. They filmed and edited the documentary throughout the winter to present now an educational community documentary. They also believe that we need time apart of the screens to connect, learn and be healthy. Therefore, they are the pioneers of our board game workshops along the coast of Portugal together with the documentary screenings. Play with us!
Ana Rita Seirôco
Ana Rita has opened her arms to provide her “Associacao Novo Mundo Azul” to support The Plastic Hike project. We are working on this project for a good cause and believe that being part of an association is the key.
Marisa Matos
Being an eco warrior herself with great tips as the EcoSensata, she is helping with project management, organisation, caring for artists and giving eco input wherever she can.
Raquel Lima
The amazing brain behind this website and the microplastic font. Moreover helping with project management to connect with artists and associations.
Marta Ribeiro
Another conscious human being caring for the planet. Supporting from Luxembourg but being always present to push the project and bringing a flow to set up the exhibition.
Catarina Rodrigues
An eco gardening nutritionist taking care of project management, funding and organisation in her free time. Artists are happy when a great human being is caring for them.
Gonçalo Gonçalves
The brain of all logistics and support throughout the ups and downs of the plastic hike. Never lets anyone down and is responsible for the most important part: Good mood!