Michalis studied electrical circuits and renewable energy technologies at a local institute. Growing up, he remembers in high school that he was getting angry when the other schoolmates didn’t throw their plastic bottles inside the recycle bin. That’s why, the idea of his project is to create a recycle bin in the shape of a fish and to install it at a beach in the sea line. The goal of the project is to raise awareness about single use of plastic bottles in an artistic and cool way. His main challenge is how many years this structure will be solid and if people are going to follow this idea and throw their bottles inside it.

Michalis was selected for the project “European Youth at the frontlines of active citizenship: A Roadmap towards a collective South-North-East-West Momentum” organized by Volunteers Centre Skopje and supported by European Commission due to Erasmus+ European Youth Together programme.

How you had the idea of creating a plastic fish?

– My idea was to create a recycle bin for the sea line and what is a better shape than a fish, right?

Yes, but why in the beach?

– Because there I can reach a lot of people and also the point is to raise the awareness about the sea and beach pollution.

What will be the first impression of people when they will see the recycle bin on the beach?

– I think they will laugh in a good way and the kids will love it.

What if the beach municipality sponsor you to make more recycle bins?

– That would be great! I hope so.

What other shapes you have in mind?

– Maybe a recycle bin in the shape of a car.

What if the bin remains empty?

– I am not in a speed race so time will show.

What will happen when the bin is full?

– I will empty it, separate the bottles from the plastic caps and take them to a company that recycles plastics.

Michalis Georgiou