This Italian region now has Europe’s highest Tibetan bridge
It’s not for the faint-hearted
A cigarette butt left in the sand takes a decade to degrade
Following a successful pilot project during the 2021 tourist season, the authorities in Barcelona have decided to extend the ban on smoking to all of the 10 municipal beaches starting 1 July. This means that beachgoers in the city can now enjoy a smoke-free environment, which will bring a dual benefit of healthier air and cleaner sands.
The historic municipal decision to ban tobacco on the beach makes Barcelona the first city in Spain to implement such a measure.
The city council has opted for the drastic step of eradicating tobacco from the beaches so that they can provide a public space for "healthier coexistence, with less waste and respectful of the environment", with the statement quoted by El Periodico. The measure, which due to its scope is described as "pioneering" is based on the reasoning that a cigarette butt is a waste that takes a decade to degrade.
As a precedent, the city council argued that the pilot test of smoke-free beaches (Sant Miquel, Somorrostro, Nova Icaria and Nova Mar Bella) received a satisfaction rating of 8 out of 10 from users a year ago. This also meant a reduction in smokers on these coastal stretches (almost seven times less compared to before) and a decrease in cigarette butts.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable mortality, and its residues have a serious impact on the environment. Cigarette filters are the second most common disposed item on beaches and their accumulation is not only unsightly, but it contributes to the gradual degradation of these leisure areas.
And yes, there will be fines for infractors. A penalty equivalent to that of other public spaces, such as smoking on playgrounds, of about 30 euros will be applied. However, there will be a bit of leeway as the police will only fine the smokers if they continue smoking after having been warned once.
What are the reasons for that and are there any possible solutions for that problem?
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
It’s not for the faint-hearted
Presenting the next chapter in the Dutch capital’s ‘Stay Away’ campaign aimed at rowdy tourists
The City says this has become a necessity due to the increasing number of incidents involving these vehicles
That way you can notify a canal lock keeper to open the gates so the animals can swim through
The organizers had been considering different Parisian spots, but always with the idea of the flame being visible to the people
Electricity production in that Eastern European country will not release direct CO2 emissions anymore
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
We owe the unusual cultural icon to this country in Europe
The country’s capital has been a pioneer in crafting policy and initiatives to improve coexistence between people and pets
The amendment to the law shows regard for the public health of youngsters
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team