During the Carnival holiday in Brazil, an environmental initiative known as 'Eco Folia' succeeded in collecting 953 kilograms of plastic waste from the ocean and the sandy shores of Ubatuba, a beach in the northern region of São Paulo. The event took place on February 17 and involved approximately 50 volunteers, including specialized divers and representatives from various environmental organizations. The volunteers carried out cleaning operations both underwater and along the beach, focused on removing plastic waste typically produced by daily consumption, such as PET bottles and plastic bags.

The timing of the event coincided with the Carnival festivities, which are notorious for attracting large numbers of tourists to coastal areas, thereby increasing the risk of pollution. Organizers stressed the importance of such clean-up actions during peak tourist seasons, as littering often rises dramatically during these periods. The collected waste highlights the ongoing issue of environmental pollution in popular tourist destinations, emphasizing the urgent need for community engagement in conservation efforts.

In addition to the immediate benefits of removing plastic waste, initiatives like 'Eco Folia' serve to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing Brazil's coastlines. They encourage public participation in preserving natural habitats and promote a culture of responsibility towards waste management. Such efforts are essential in combatting the broader environmental issues posed by plastic pollution, which affects marine life and ecosystems.