Keeping the island of Andros green, clean, and pristine

Dealing with waste can be pretty rubbish, but locals on the small island of Andros in the Cyclades have found a way to turn trash into treasure. Keeping this enchanting island pristine, Clean Green Andros is a volunteer-run initiative that has been working since 2012 to improve sustainability, conservation, and education on Andros.
Renowned as the greenest island in the Cyclades, Andros still faces environmental hurdles, worsened by a rise in single-use plastics and reliance on landfills. Before discarding anything, locals and visitors can consult Clean Green Andros’ A-to-Z directory to find the most eco-friendly disposal method.
Summer brings an increase in tourists to the tranquil island and means that waste output outstrips processing capacity, so passionate local people have taken matters into their own hands to ensure Andros stays waste-free and clean for generations to come. From volunteering for beach clean-ups to supporting local eco-friendly businesses, everyone is committed to minimising the environmental footprint of tourism activities while maximising the positive impact on local communities.
Home to diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to vibrant marine life, Andros is a special place to visit, and locals help maintain this treasure with habitat restoration projects, wildlife conservation efforts, and sustainable land management practices to safeguard the island’s natural heritage.
Volunteers have also spent time restoring and signposting 240km of picturesque hiking paths, including the Andros Route, which is a 100km trail that takes keen walkers along the entire length of the island. Committed to a green future, the volunteers on Andros are telling waste, and visitors, to take a hike! Visit the Andros Route website to learn more.