Montemor-o-Velho has reduced 32 tonnes of plastic waste by using reusable cups at municipal events from September 2022 to December 2024. The initiative, implemented at major festivals, prevented the use of over 2.5 million disposable cups. The City Council has highlighted the significant environmental impact, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and waste reduction in the region.

According to a press release sent to Lusa, the initiative was implemented at major events such as Feira do Ano, Castelo Mágico, and Festival do Arroz e da Lampreia. Over this period, more than 2.5 million disposable cups were avoided through the adoption of reusable alternatives. “This corresponds to 32 tons of plastic waste that were not generated,” the statement highlighted.

In total, more than 430 thousand reusable cups were distributed and used at these events. The municipality also showcased its commitment to sustainability by ensuring that damaged cups were sent for recycling, reinforcing efforts toward a circular economy. The press release praised the strong adoption of reusable cups, noting that this shift demonstrates “the environmental awareness of the population and their commitment to a more sustainable territory”.

Beyond reusable cups, the Municipality of Montemor-o-Velho has introduced additional environmental measures at public events, including the proper disposal of used cooking oils, responsible waste management, increased recycling container availability, and various awareness-raising initiatives. “It has been shown that every gesture counts towards reducing carbon emissions,” the statement concluded.