My name is Theodoros Dimitrios Vougioukas, and I am currently doing an internship at AMS Institute (Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions) as part of the "Solving the Urban Plastic Soup" project.
I am pleased to inform you that a device to collect plastic pollution in waterways has been installed in your neighbourhood at Sloterplas as part of this project. You are receiving this letter because you live in the same neighbourhood (or very close by) to this pilot project. Due to the high number of tourists in the area, I have found it challenging to meet residents in person. After consulting with Anne Gentenaar, I have decided to share this letter with you through her. I believe the members of your network would be ideal participants for the upcoming workshop, which is why I am reaching out to you.
We are conducting multiple surveys to gain insight into public perspective on plastic pollution and the possible solutions to this issue. By engaging with communities, we can inform local strategies and actions more effectively. Therefore, your thoughts and ideas on the project and on the issue provide diverse perspectives, reflecting on real-word experiences and concerns.
Enclosed in this letter you will find two QR codes linked to surveys that we would kindly request you to complete. By scanning the QR codes, you can also learn more about the Institute and the project. The QR code on the left leads to a survey assessing the impact of the devices on awareness and behaviours of citizens towards combating plastic pollution in the canals of Amsterdam.
Additionally, AMS Institute is organizing workshops in September and October with the focus on raising awareness and empower participants with knowledge and tools to help reduce plastic pollution and inspire collective action for sustainable change. It will also be possible to engage in group discussions with important stakeholders involved in the project and brainstorm solutions. As the organizer of these events, I aim to gather input on your perception of plastic pollution and your interest and willingness to participate, to effectively design these workshops.
The QR code on the right leads to a survey exploring your availability and interest in participating in these workshops. For me and AMS Institute is very important to organize the workshop(s) based on what you would like to learn more about or on what you are interested in discussing and sharing with us on this matter. The outcomes of the workshops will help us tailor educational campaigns, advocate for stronger policies, and encourage behavioural changes to reduce plastic use.
Each survey is very short and should not take more than 5 minutes to complete. Your responses will remain anonymous. The deadline for completing the surveys is on August 24th at 1:00 pm. Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the survey questionnaires. If you have any questions about the surveys, please feel free to contact me at theodorus.vougioukas@ams-institute.org.
Thank you for your time, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Kind regards, Theodoros Dimitrios Vougioukas
