“Una Terra che Respira”: 11,000 Volunteers Unite to Remove 165 Tons of Waste Across Italy

The results of the “Una Terra che Respira” initiative by the Plastic Free volunteer organization, supported by Intesa Sanpaolo through the Formula Program and implemented in collaboration with CESVI, were presented today. The project involved more than 11,000 volunteers in 300 Italian cities in environmental cleanups, helping raise awareness about combating and reducing plastic pollution.

Over 11,000 volunteers in 300 Italian cities were involved in the removal of 165 tons of waste. These are the numbers achieved by the “Una Terra che Respira” initiative by the Plastic Free volunteer organization, supported by Intesa Sanpaolo through the Formula Program and implemented in collaboration with CESVI.

The initiative, selected by the Digital Branch of the Banca dei Territori Division and aimed at raising awareness about combating and reducing plastic pollution, was made possible through a fundraiser on For Funding, Intesa Sanpaolo’s crowdfunding platform dedicated to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and access to the labor market for people in need.

“This project is a concrete demonstration of the power of synergy between citizens, volunteers, and organizations that believe in change. Thanks to the support we’ve received and the extraordinary response from local communities, we’ve been able to transform the idea of ​​environmental protection into a collective action capable of generating real impact. Every kilogram of plastic waste collected tells a story of commitment, awareness, and hope for a cleaner future,” said Luca De Gaetano , founder and president of Plastic Free Onlus.

From September to December 2024, over €100,000 was raised thanks to the generosity of citizens, businesses, and the Bank itself, which actively participated by donating €2 for many of the products purchased by customers online. The project led to environmental cleanup events in 300 Italian cities, removing 165 tons of plastic and waste from beaches, rivers, parks, and peri-urban areas. These areas were identified with the involvement of municipal administrations and local communities and after a thorough on-site inspection to assess their suitability.

From city centers to outlying districts, from train yards to schoolyards, numerous places have been reborn thanks to the volunteers’ intervention: from the Sangone stream in Turin to the Bosco delle Cerbaie in Tuscany, from the mouth of the Lato river in Sicily to the Groane Park in Lombardy, from the beach of Campomarino Lido in Molise to the Isola dell’Amore in the Ferrara area.

Over 11,000 volunteers mobilized in 300 Italian cities to remove 165 tons of waste and fight plastic pollution

More than 11,000 volunteers were involved in the waste removal activities, coordinated on the ground by over 200 local representatives and supported by 322 associations that collaborated to ensure the success of the initiatives. The contribution of schools and universities was also significant, with 24 schools and one university actively participating, involving students in the waste cleanup operations.

The environmental awareness campaign has indirectly reached an estimated 3.2 million citizens, who can now enjoy cleaned and enhanced areas. The funds raised have supported the preparation and implementation of environmental cleanup initiatives, with the contribution of over 1,100 representatives of the Plastic Free Italia network.

Fabio Balderacchi , Executive Director of Intesa Sanpaolo’s Digital Branch, added: “Together with CESVI, we chose the Plastic Free Association project to raise awareness among citizens about combating and reducing plastic pollution. Our Formula Program’s approach promotes solidarity and a sense of community. The generosity of people, combined with the Bank’s direct contribution, allowed us to reach our fundraising goal.”

“Since 2021, the Formula Program has seen us as Intesa Sanpaolo’s strategic partner in selecting the best projects across Italy, with the ambition of pursuing sustainable and inclusive change,” concluded Roberto Vignola , Deputy General Manager of CESVI. “To date, we have supported over 200 projects. Formula demonstrates how dialogue between nonprofits and for-profits can respond in a targeted and effective way to social, environmental, and regional challenges.”

The plastic waste removal initiative is part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, led by Carlo Messina,’s contribution to reducing social disparities in support of the country’s growth. This strategic objective has been part of the 2018 Business Plan and is being developed by the Intesa Sanpaolo Social Services unit.

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(Featured image by  Markus Spiske via Unsplash)

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