Common Seas has produced a series of practical guidebooks for hospitality businesses to help them continue to reduce single-use plastics while keeping staff and customers safe during the pandemic – both in the context of the Greek response to COVID-19, and for the global sector at large.

The guides have been developed in the context of the Clean Blue Paros project, which supports the Greek island in becoming the first plastic-waste free Mediterranean island and a global leader in the fight against plastics in our seas.

Research shows that single-use plastics are not necessarily the safest option during the coronavirus outbreak. In a joint statement, 119 scientists from 18 countries said reusable containers are safe to use as long as basic hygiene guidelines are followed.

The hospitality sector is key to many countries’ economies, including on the Greek island of Paros. Yet despite a perceived increase in the use of disposable items, many establishments, both on Paros and beyond – supported by research and common sense – continue to reduce their plastic waste, prioritising reusables such as cups, bags, straws and bottles.

The guidebooks are based on government health guidelines, as well as the consensus of leading international health organisations.

Read the global guide online here.

Read the Greek guide in either English or Greek.

If your business is not already a member of Clean Blue Paros, we would love you to sign up and join our movement to help this beautiful island and our seas break free from plastic pollution.

Please contact us to find out more.