Tips for Reducing Plastic Use on Holiday in Venice

Experiencing a sustainable trip to Venice, reducing unnecessary plastic and protecting the environment, is possible—and it’s easier than you might think.

Whether you’re taking a gondola ride, exploring the lagoon islands, or spending a day at the beach on the Lido or Pellestrina, with a few mindful choices, you can do so without impacting the city or the lagoon, while keeping your ecological footprint in check.

Ditch Single-Use Plastic and Opt for Reusable Alternatives

Even the simplest actions can make a big difference. Carry a reusable water bottle to fill with tap water, and use a fabric shopping bag for any purchases in the city—especially from local producers and artisans! Replace single-use tableware with reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives made from materials like recycled paper, bamboo, aluminium, or glass. Pack solid soap and shampoo, as well as toiletries in refillable containers. When it comes to clothing, choose natural fibres over synthetic ones, as the latter release harmful microplastics into the environment during use and washing.

Sort Waste and Join Clean-Up Events

Despite your best efforts to minimise your plastic footprint, some waste is inevitable. That’s why it’s crucial to recycle properly, following the guidelines set by the local waste management authorities, and to avoid littering in nature. This includes cigarette butts, which are among the most frequently discarded waste items on the ground—or worse, in the water.

You can also join a clean-up event to help combat plastic pollution. These initiatives clean up natural areas, beaches, and parks, such as the protected nature reserves of Alberoni, Ca’ Roman, San Nicolò, the canals and salt marshes of the Venetian Lagoon, and the woodlands around Mestre. Local organisations regularly host environmental volunteer activities in Venice, often coinciding with events like World Clean Up Day, held on the third Saturday of September, or the European Week for Waste Reduction in November.

Venezia Turismo Plastic Smart: A Guide for Responsible Plastic Management

Everyone can play their part. Our mission is to ensure Venice remains one of the world’s most beautiful cities, admired by all. Tourism, as we know, has a significant impact on plastic waste production. During peak season, the city’s population swells dramatically, leading to increased waste and straining the waste management system, raising the risk of plastic pollution. As the first Italian city to join WWF’s Plastic Smart Cities initiative, Venice is launching “Venezia Turismo Plastic Smart”, a guide aimed at raising awareness among hoteliers and anyone hosting tourists in the city. It encourages them to make choices that promote the prevention and reduction of single-use and unnecessary plastic.

Photo Credits:

1. Marco Crupi CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 via Flickr

2. Gabriele Vattolo - Comune di Venezia

3. Annabella Saccone - Oasi WWF Dune degli Alberoni

4. - 5. Venezia Turismo Plastic Smart, Illustrazioni di Fernando Cobelo