Clean City: Together Towards Environmental Responsibility
On June 23, 2017, the initiative “Clean City: Together Towards Environmental Responsibility” took place in Lviv, aimed at raising environmental awareness among residents and promoting the principles of sustainable development. We brought together civil society organizations, socially responsible businesses, journalists, and active citizens of Lviv, creating a platform for collective action to improve urban cleanliness and protect the environment.
The initiative was implemented during a period of acute environmental crisis in Lviv, which followed the large-scale fire at the Hrybovychi landfill in May 2016. As a result of the fire and the subsequent waste collapse, lives were lost, and the landfill was closed. This led to a systemic waste management crisis in the city: in 2016–2017, Lviv faced the accumulation of waste in public spaces, overloaded infrastructure, and serious threats to environmental safety and public health.
Throughout the day, participants took part in cleaning urban areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of waste sorting and the integration of environmentally responsible practices into everyday life. More than 200 participants attended workshops on waste sorting, where they gained practical skills and a clear understanding of the importance of responsible waste management.
The project contributed to the development of environmental awareness within the community. Each participant received practical tools and knowledge to implement waste sorting and reduction practices in their daily lives, reinforcing long-term sustainable impact at the city level.
The initiative became a strong example of effective cross-sector collaboration, bringing together businesses, civil society organizations, and media. This collaboration enabled the efficient use of resources, expertise, and communication channels to achieve a shared goal — a cleaner, more responsible urban environment.
The “Clean City” project demonstrated that systematic environmental education combined with active civic participation can reshape behaviors and community culture. Integrating environmentally responsible practices into everyday life helps build a city where every citizen contributes to protecting the environment and safeguarding the future for the next generations.
