ESN Torino is excited to announce its participation in the Po SalvaMare Project, a powerful environmental initiative led by Plastic Free and Molecola Legambiente, designed to bring the Salvamare Law to life. The mission? To tackle plastic pollution in our rivers by preventing waste from entering and traveling through the Po River basin.

 

 

Caring for the place we call home - even temporarily - has always been a core value for ESN Torino. That’s why we jumped into action, bringing together a group of enthusiastic Erasmus students and dedicated volunteers to clean up the banks of the Po River. Together, they rolled up their sleeves and took on the challenge of restoring the river’s natural beauty, one piece of litter at a time.

The clean-up revealed some unexpected finds - like a Barbie doll, a wheelbarrow, and a plush dog - that sparked a few ironic laughs. But alongside these curiosities, there was a sobering reality: tangled electrical cables, torn fabrics, plastic cutlery, worn-out tires, broken glass bottles, and more. All clear reminders of the urgent need to protect our environment.

 

What sparked this action was something simple yet powerful. As one participant said:

"It costs me nothing - if I can help, why not?"

 

The project will run for two years, featuring four clean-up events along the same stretch of the river. This long-term approach will help monitor real progress and track improvements in the area’s environmental health over time.

Through initiatives like this, ESN Torino reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and intercultural integration, proving that even those just passing through can leave a lasting, positive impact.

Article by Elisa Gnani and Greta Fregosi
Translation by Greta Fregosi