Nallikari Holiday Village participates campaign to raise awareness of the environmental impact of litter that ends up in waterways
Nallikari Holiday Village is participating in the nationwide “Mahanpuruja muovista” (“Stomach ache in the plastic”) campaign from 17 to 31 August 2026. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the environmental impact of litter that ends up in waterways. This year marks the eighth edition of the campaign, which was launched by Pidä Saaristo Siistinä Association.
During the campaign, campaign stickers have been placed around the Holiday Village next to stormwater drains. The stickers remind passers-by that litter thrown onto streets or into drains can be carried directly into waterways, where it can harm fish and other wildlife.
Litter does not belong in waterways
Many people are surprised to learn that water entering stormwater drains is generally discharged into the nearest waterway without treatment. This means that, for example, a cigarette butt or nicotine pouch thrown on the ground can eventually end up in a waterway and harm nature. According to studies, a large proportion of the litter entering stormwater drains originates from consumers, with cigarette butts being particularly common. They release both microplastics and harmful substances into the environment.
“The key objective of the Mahanpuruja muovista campaign this year, as in every year of the campaign, is to educate people across Finland about the fact that litter thrown onto streets almost always travels through storm drains directly into the nearest waterway — for example, from Torinranta or Nallikari straight into the sea, or from further away via the Oulujoki River,” says Kiia Palo, Communications Specialist at Pidä Saaristo Siistinä Association.
“We want to believe that when more people understand where litter travels, more people will decide not to throw litter on the ground or into an already overflowing bin. This will help reduce and prevent littering in nearby waterways and the Baltic Sea,” Palo continues.
The campaign’s key message is that waterways do not begin at the shoreline — they begin on the street. Litter belongs in a waste bin, whether you are in an urban area, at the beach or in nature.
Everyone can help keep waterways clean
One of the most visible communication methods used in the Mahanpuruja muovista campaign has been installing campaign stickers next to stormwater drains. The stickers remind people that litter ending up on streets and in drains can be carried directly into waterways and subsequently harm fish and other wildlife.
“People encounter the campaign’s message right where littering takes place. Stickers installed on the ground do not have to compete for attention with other advertisements, so the message is more likely to get through,” says Palo.
According to Palo, everyone can help keep waterways clean. The most effective advice is simple: always put your litter in a bin. If the bin is already full, take the litter to the next one or carry it home with you. Litter can quickly spread from an overflowing bin into nature, carried by wind and animals. It is also worth politely pointing it out to a friend if a cigarette butt or nicotine pouch is about to end up on the ground instead of in a bin.
A joint effort for a cleaner environment
Nallikari Holiday Village is participating in the campaign for the first time. The campaign stickers placed next to stormwater drains around the area highlight the importance of protecting the sea and its wellbeing.
“The Mahanpuruja muovista campaign supports the environmental work we already do by providing an educational perspective. The eye-catching stickers on the storm drain covers make people think about how litter thrown on the ground or into drains travels directly into local waterways, deteriorating water quality and littering the natural environment,” says Antti Romppanen, Environmental Coordinator at Nallikari Holiday Village.
“Reducing littering is one of the important goals of our operations. Litter pickers are available to borrow free of charge from reception, and our guests as well as other people enjoying the outdoors are welcome to use them to collect litter. Clean nature and waterways are extremely important values for us, as we are located right next to beautiful natural surroundings and the sea,” Romppanen continues.
Nallikari Holiday Village invites everyone visiting the area to join in taking care of nature and waterways. Even small actions make a difference: litter belongs in a waste bin, not on streets, in stormwater drains or in the sea.
“We hope that the stickers installed around the drain covers and waste bins will attract plenty of attention and spark questions among both our guests and visitors to Nallikari,” says Romppanen.
More information:
Antti Romppanen
Nallikari Holiday Village, Environmental Coordinator
Kiia Palo
Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association, Communications Specialist
