What started as a simple idea gradually became one of our most ambitious environmental projects of the year.

After numerous prototypes, tests, and improvements, we finally succeeded in creating a practical and durable portable ashtray made from recycled materials. Once the model was ready, it was time to bring the project to life. We spread the word among our friends, gathered everyone who was interested, and the „Ashtrays Team” officially met for the first time at the beginning of May.

The mission was clear: produce as many portable ashtrays as possible while giving a second life to materials that would otherwise become waste.

The process involved several steps. First, we partnered with local cafés such as Smart Cup, Starbucks, and Ted’s Coffee, which kindly agreed to help us collect used milk cartons. Once collected, every carton had to be thoroughly cleaned, opened, flattened, and prepared for transformation. Volunteers then traced the ashtray templates onto the material, carefully cut them out, folded each piece into shape, attached Velcro fasteners, and finally stapled everything together to create a functional portable ashtray.

What sounds simple on paper required many hours of teamwork, patience, and dedication. Across four production sessions lasting several hours each, our volunteers worked side by side, sharing stories, laughs, and plenty of determination. Thanks to their efforts, we successfully produced 1,150 portable ashtrays.

However, manufacturing them was only the first part of the journey.

We strongly believed that these ashtrays should reach the people who would use them, so we worked hard to secure a place at the Shakespeare Festival. After many discussions and preparations, we finally obtained the opportunity to present our project and distribute the portable ashtrays directly at the festival entrance.

The festival became the perfect setting to give real meaning to our work. Visitors were able to discover the project, learn about the environmental impact of cigarette litter, and receive a practical solution to help keep public spaces cleaner.

To further support the festival’s environmental efforts, we also created table ashtrays using recycled glass jars and designed awareness-raising signs encouraging responsible disposal of cigarette butts. These simple actions helped spread our message throughout the festival and sparked many conversations with participants.

Looking back, the project would never have been possible without the incredible commitment of the volunteers. More than ten international volunteers gradually joined the team, each bringing their own energy, creativity, and motivation. Together, they transformed a small idea into a tangible environmental initiative with a real impact.

Beyond the 1,150 portable ashtrays produced, the project demonstrated the power of collective action, recycling, and community engagement. It showed that with enough determination, even everyday waste can be transformed into a tool for positive change.

This is only the beginning, and we hope to continue developing similar initiatives that promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and active citizenship in our community.