In an innovative step towards sustainability, a group of environmentally conscious students in Cyprus has introduced “Bloomarks,” a unique product that combines the love for reading with a passion for the environment. Despite Cyprus accounting for only 0.26 percent of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, the country has been lagging in reducing its emissions compared to the EU average since 2005. Addressing this concern, these students have crafted an eco-friendly solution that encourages a greener lifestyle.
Bloomarks are not your ordinary bookmarks. They are made from eco-friendly and reused materials and come with a special twist—each bookmark is embedded with flower seeds such as foxglove, stock, lavender, and more. The idea is simple yet profound: after finishing a book, readers can plant the bookmark in a pot of soil, ensure it receives adequate sunlight and water, and then watch as wildflowers spring to life.
This sustainable reading experience is the brainchild of a dedicated team of students—Anthi Andronicou, Ektoras Alexandrou, Nicole Vourou, Stela Lito Erotokritou, and Styliana Avraamidou—who are determined to make a positive impact on the planet. Their initiative emerged from the popular Junior Achievement programme and aims to inspire action against global warming.
The creators of Bloomarks believe that while one bookmark alone cannot change the future of the planet, it can be a significant first step for a generation tasked with shaping our future. They encourage people to make a difference, one bloomark at a time.
Bloomarks are available for purchase on their Instagram page @bloomarks.ja and through their website. They will also soon be available at Tacora Garden Center in Ayios Dometios, Engomi. This initiative not only represents a creative approach to environmentalism but also serves as an example of how small actions can lead to meaningful change. As the students behind Bloomarks say, “Together we can make sure that we make a difference.”
