Madeira Friends, local students, and VMT unite once again to protect our island and inspire change — October 2025
The Trash Traveler returns to Madeira
This week, Madeira Friends had the joy of welcoming back The Trash Traveler, our favorite eco-warrior, storyteller, and all-around good soul, for another round of environmental action and awareness on our island.
Known for his creative campaigns, humor, and dedication to protecting nature, The Trash Traveler (Andreas Noe) has once again brought his great energy to Madeira. Together, we have been rolling up our sleeves for cleanups, community events, and even a screening night celebrating his latest adventure: “The Ocean Hike Madeira 2024.”
One cigarette butt at a time
This time, our focus was on one of the smallest yet most damaging types of pollution: cigarette butts.
We kicked off with a cleanup near the Madeira sign, followed by another session around the **Cristiano Ronaldo statue, **two of Funchal’s most visited areas. Within just 45 minutes each day, we managed to collect bottles filled to the top with cigarette butts.
It might look like a small effort, but the numbers tell a different story: over 10 kilograms of cigarette butts were collected in just two sessions. These tiny pieces of litter are not harmless , they’re the most discarded item in the world, with around 4.5 trillion polluting our planet every year. They release toxic chemicals into the soil and ocean, harming marine life and ecosystems long after being thrown on the ground.
Picking them up is no easy job, it’s hot, our backs ache, and it’s definitely not glamorous. But every cleanup is a powerful statement: there’s absolutely no excuse for throwing cigarette butts on the floor. Also, Pestana CR7 Funchal Hotel, were super kind in offering fruit and snacks to our volunteers afterwards.
The power of young people
One of the most inspiring parts of this initiative was seeing local school students join the action. Many were shocked to see how many butts could be found in such a small area, and even more surprised to learn how damaging they are to the environment.
Moments like these are more than cleanups , they are lessons in environmental awareness, teamwork, and civic responsibility. When young people take part, they not only help clean the island but also become the next generation of advocates for a cleaner, more conscious Madeira.
Beyond the cleanup: “The Ocean Hike Madeira”
To wrap up the week, we hosted the first-ever screening of The Trash Traveler’s new documentary “The Ocean Hike Madeira” at the Madeira Friends Hub.
The 32-minute film captures his 280 km ocean hike around Madeira and Porto Santo, sharing stories of community cleanups, marine conservation, and the importance of protecting our island ecosystems. It was great to see some familiar faces from last years events.
Small actions, big impact
From cleaning cigarette butts off the streets of Funchal to inspiring the next generation, this collaboration proves that community is the heart of change.
We are proud to stand alongside The Trash Traveler, our local students, VMT, Pestana CR7, and everyone who took part. Together, we’re not just cleaning up, we are reshaping mindsets and building a more sustainable future for Madeira.