Personality
Calling
Ecology
Category
Personality
"We started sharing information because it was necessary to introduce more people to the problem."
Everything began in 2016 at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, when Nikola Bobchev encountered the topic of the Anthropocene: the era in which human activity defines the shape of the planet Earth. Among all the statistics and data, one fact impressed him the most – over 450 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year. It was then that the idea was born to transfer this global problem to a local context … on Bulgarian soil with the help of Stilyana Stoyanova and Rosen Bobchev.
The first research of LessPlastic Bulgaria is related to the Bulgarian Black Sea and the influence of the Ropotamo River as a local source of pollution. The team realizes that knowledge is the first step towards change, which is why it begins to share scientifically verified information about pollution, recycling, and sustainable alternatives. Thus, the small student initiative evolves into a platform that today engages thousands of people with a common mission: less plastic, more care.
Over time, the founders realize that true change does not come solely from large campaigns, but from small habits. From the way we shop to how we dispose of our waste and what message we pass on to the next generation.
"We are extremely happy that to date we are managing to engage so many people with this important issue."
Today, LessPlastic Bulgaria can boast one of the most active and engaged communities in our country. More than 450 copies of "A Little Book on Plastic Waste" and over 600 "Mussel Identifiers" have been reached by people free of charge. Small steps at first glance, but they build a more informed society. The organization does not just talk about change, but implements it through educational initiatives, festivals, and regular clean-ups along the Black Sea.
Especially exciting are the beach actions, where alongside volunteers, children often participate as well. One of the most memorable stories is of a mother who has come to every "Clean Christmas" for the past seven years. First alone, then with her first child, and today with both. Such moments remind us that sustainable thinking is not learned from books, but passed on through personal example.
No less inspiring is the idea of LessPlastic Film Fest – film nights under the open sky that turn knowledge into experience. Stories from Bulgaria and the world come to life on screen, and the audience leaves not just impressed, but thoughtful and motivated to take action.
"We believe in the power of community and that change starts with people."
After years of active work and dozens of successful initiatives, LessPlastic Bulgaria continues to dream boldly. The main goal for the next year is to expand the monitoring of pollution in the Black Sea with the help of new partners. This will allow for more precise data collection and effective solutions based on real observations.
The plans also include new educational materials, aimed at marine inhabitants and their connection with human activity. The organization believes that when we understand nature better, we also begin to protect it more consciously.
And as always, the heart of each of their initiatives remains the community. The next edition of “Clean Christmas” will gather dozens of volunteers ready to swap festive comfort for action for a clean nature. Because, as the creators of the initiative say – there will be waste for everyone, but there will also be good examples.
photos: Yoan Kolev
