Hilversum combats pollution with 180 'Here begins the sea' tiles and student involvement
Hilversum launches an innovative project to tackle pollution by installing 180 'Here begins the sea' tiles across the city. Local schools and students are actively involved, learning how litter on streets can end up in oceans, and how they can help prevent it.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | 'Here begins the sea' |
| Location | Hilversum, Noord-Holland |
| Number of Tiles | 180 |
| Participating Organizations | Hilversum Rotary Club, Municipality of Hilversum, Primary Schools |
| Schools Involved | Kindercampus, Lelyschool, De Driewerf |
| Target Audience | Students in grades 7 and 8 |
| Educational Focus | Sustainability, pollution prevention, ocean conservation |
| Tile Features | QR code for additional information |
| Project Start Date | March 16, 2026 |
| Alderman Involved | Bart Heller |
The municipality of Hilversum plays a crucial role in local environmental initiatives, often collaborating with schools and community organizations to promote sustainability. This project aligns with their broader efforts to educate residents, particularly children, on environmental responsibility and pollution prevention.
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Working together with students to combat pollution
On Monday, March 16, 2026, the first "Here begins the sea" tile was installed in Hilversum. The Hilversum Rotary Club is doing this in collaboration with the municipality and primary schools. With this tile, they aim to show that litter on the streets can end up in ditches, canals, and even the sea through rain and drains. In total, 180 tiles will be placed in Hilversum.
The project aims to raise awareness among residents that they can help prevent pollution. A lesson program has been developed for students in grades 7 and 8, which includes the placement of the tiles. The first tile was laid by teacher Carolien and her students from Kindercampus. In the following days, Lelyschool and De Driewerf also participated. Alderman Bart Heller assisted in the process.
Children and their environment
Teacher Manon from De Driewerf was the first to sign up. “We would like to become an Eco-school. This means teaching children to think and act sustainably. The Environmental Education Foundation is helping us with this. This project fits perfectly. Our students were already active in the 'Heel Hilversum Schoon' program. This new project focuses more on the ocean and litter that ends up in drains. That’s a great addition. Children learn better how important it is to keep their environment clean.”
Educational program
“First, Luuk from the Rotary gave a guest lecture,” Manon explains. “He explained why the sea is so important and how litter ends up there. He also discussed what children can do themselves, such as using less plastic and not littering.” Afterward, the children went out to collect litter, guided by parents and using a litter grabber and bingo cards. Back at school, they enthusiastically helped place two tiles.
180 tiles in Hilversum
The tiles will be placed in locations frequented by children. Each tile features a QR code for additional information. Project manager Mart-Jan van den Hoorn says: “The tile serves as a reminder for the children. But it’s also a message for adults. We hope it will encourage people to talk about litter and help keep the neighborhood clean.” According to teacher Manon, the project has made the children more aware. They enjoy doing something for their environment. “The more often we discuss the topic, the better it sticks. The children can pass on this knowledge to others.”