Calvià is back in the race for the Green Flag of Sustainability. 272 hospitality establishments are participating in the Ecovidrio campaign to promote glass recycling during the summer season.
Calvià aims to renew the Green Flag of Sustainability for the third consecutive year. The municipality has mobilised 272 bars, restaurants, and beach bars, which have joined the Green Flags Movement promoted by Ecovidrio. The campaign, now in its seventh edition, seeks to reduce the environmental impact of glass waste in tourist areas.
In Calvià, more than 3,600 tonnes of glass packaging are generated annually, with a third of this occurring during the summer months. The First Deputy Mayor, Esperanza Catalá, has thanked the involvement of residents and hospitality workers: "Without their daily commitment, it would not be possible to maintain this recycling rate."
Competition among municipalities in the Balearics
Calvià is competing with 20 other municipalities in the Balearic Islands to secure one of the two Green Flags awarded by Ecovidrio in the archipelago. The Ecovidrio coordinator in the Balearics, Iván Tolsa, has highlighted that "local hospitality is key to managing the summer waste peak."
To be eligible for the award, municipalities must increase selective glass collection compared to the previous year and achieve participation from at least 50% of hospitality establishments. They must also actively promote the campaign among residents and tourists.
More containers and training for hospitality workers
Ecovidrio will install 200 new containers across Spain and distribute nearly 1,300 wheeled bins among participating establishments. In Calvià, around a hundred environmental educators will visit the affiliated venues to provide training on recycling and the circular economy.
"It's not just about recycling more, but doing it better," explained Tolsa. Hospitality workers will learn to correctly separate packaging and reduce waste. The goal is for the habit to continue beyond the summer.
Extra award for the most sustainable establishments
In addition to municipal recognition, Ecovidrio will distinguish two establishments in the Balearics for their good environmental practices. Waste management, efficient use of water and energy, and sustainable purchasing will be evaluated. Last year, the award went to Can Mimosa in Eivissa.
The nine national winners will participate in a master class with chef Andrés Torres, who holds a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star. Torres will share his vision on how to apply sustainability to haute cuisine. A unique opportunity for local restaurateurs.
At the national level, the campaign brings together more than 120 municipalities and 12,000 establishments. Nine Green Flags will be awarded in Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and the Region of Murcia. In the Balearics, thanks to glass recycling, more than 9,100 tonnes of CO₂ have been avoided, and energy equivalent to 11,200 MWh has been saved.
For the residents of Calvià, this means less waste on the streets and a cleaner environment. The campaign starts in June and runs until September. Interested establishments can still join by contacting the Town Hall.
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