Alexandra, 21, holds the stencil to the ground.
Alyzée tags with a spray of white chalk.
A message emerges: “To throw on the ground is to throw into the sea”.
Like a dozen other participants in this 4th Ma Terre challenge, the two women joined the Clean Tag operation, organized with the Surfrider association, as part of the Paris Paradis festival.
This Saturday, September 17, everyone feels driven by the need to act for the environment.
Originally from New Caledonia, Alyzée says she is “aware of the protection of the seas and oceans”.
Despite the morning freshness, the sun encompasses the Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad in Paris (10th and 19th centuries).
Mikaël Grzybowski, co-responsible for the Surfrider association in Paris, begins the operation with a speech.
“We are an ocean protection NGO created by surfers.
We organize waste collection initiatives throughout the year”.
Far from classic conferences, Surfrider approaches the subject in a different way.
Surfrider's objectives: raise awareness about waste thrown on the ground
Using a stencil and a chalk bomb, the initiative of the day consists of writing three types of strong messages: "Do not throw anything away, the ocean begins here", "A cigarette butt pollutes 500 liters of water.
Do not throw” and “To throw on the ground is to throw in the sea”.
On docks, near water or manholes.
Séverine, a volunteer with the association, recalls that “waste is thrown on the banks of the canals and ends up there.
They pollute the waters.
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Most attendees registered online.
Others decided at the last minute.
“I never find the time to come to actions when I am subscribed to the Surfrider newsletter.
This morning, I was available because the operation lasts only one hour”, argues Alexandra.
The objectives are to raise awareness, arouse curiosity and challenge people in the surrounding area.
Read alsoOcean pollution: the key is prevention on land
The two members of the association decide to split the group in two, in order to stroll on either side of the platforms.
In pairs, Séverine distributes stencils and chalk bombs to the participants.
Hugo, 24, grabs it and plays the game. He has known the Surfrider association for a year.
Very committed, it is however the first time that he has taken part in an event.
“I finally have the moment and this is the opportunity.
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A final tag in front of the Paris Paradis festival
For her part, Raphaëlle, an ecology student, is stepping up her actions.
Aware of environmental issues, she convinced her sister Ariane to accompany her.
“I already knew the Surfrider association because I had already taken part in ocean initiatives.
Regarding the tags, I had already come across some in the street and it struck me.
It's fun, ”says the young Parisian, convinced that a general awareness has already begun.
Whatever their age or their level of environmental commitment, the participants have only one sentence in their mouths: “Our priority is the planet.
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Several messages were tagged on the ground, including “A cigarette butt pollutes 500 liters of water.
Do not throw".
LP/Aleister Denni
On the way up the canal to the Parc de la Villette, where the Paris Paradis Festival takes place, passers-by are intrigued.
Some challenge us.
Questions abound concerning the action, the association and the future of the planet.
They are touched by the subject and open to dialogue.
At the end of this useful ride, the bombs are empty.
The last sprays are for a final tag in front of the Paris Paradis festival, which will continue until Sunday.
Music, humor, family activities and environmental awareness are on the program.