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Route of Hitch for Change
8th of June - 28th of July 2025
119
volunteers
12
countries
617
kg of trash
miles
de estudiantes
CO₂ Savings:
By hitchhiking instead of using personal vehicles, our journey saved approximately
1,950 kg of CO₂ emissions compared to driving solo and 390 kg compared to bus travel.
(Sources: European Environment Agency, ICCT)
Check out all the cleanup photos from Hitch for Change!
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Hitch for Change is more than just a journey —it’s a movement that blends environmental action, sustainable travel and community engagement to create real impact.
Aims of Hitch for Change
Our mission goes beyond cleanups: we want to challenge overproduction, demand corporate accountability, and shift mindsets toward more conscious consumption.
Environmental Impact
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Remove 500 kg of waste from natural and urban environments.
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Organize at least one cleanup event per country in collaboration with local groups.
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Separate and recycle waste whenever possible and track the total collected waste (recyclable vs. non-recyclable).
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Document the impact through statistics and social media storytelling.
Sustainable Travel Advocacy
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Promote hitchhiking, carpooling, and community hospitality as eco-friendly travel alternatives.
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Educate audiences about the environmental benefits of shared transport through engaging content.
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Encourage travelers to adopt minimal-impact travel practices and support sustainable tourism.
Community Building
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Actively engage with local cleanup groups and environmental organizations in each country.
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Recruit 100+ volunteers to participate in cleanups throughout the trip.
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Build a network of eco-travelers who continue cleanup efforts beyond our journey.
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Strengthen connections with local communities, businesses, and policymakers to ensure long-term impact.
Who are we?
We are Misha and Jirka, on social media known as verdederos, a couple from the Czech Republic—travelers, backpackers, and, above all, passionate environmentalists.
Over the last five years, we have educated hundreds of thousands of people through social media, and our work has gone viral across Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Today, we are proud to have built a thriving community of over 630,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok—people who share our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable world.
During this time, we have organized over 140 cleanup events and worked on numerous environmental projects in places where awareness is low and sustainable options are scarce. Every volunteer, every partner, and every shared effort fuels our passion and strengthens our belief that collective action can create real change. Meeting like-minded individuals and discovering inspiring sustainability projects gives us the energy to keep going, and we’re beyond excited to expand this movement even further.
We didn’t choose June 8th as the start date of Hitch for Change by chance. It’s not only World Oceans Day, but also the anniversary of our very first cleanup—a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and the incredible journey still ahead.
Let’s make this movement unstoppable!
Mission Behind Hitch for Change
This year, Misha has taken on a new role as a Climate Ambassador, certified by a reputable European climate initiative DG CLIMA. This role is a unique opportunity to drive climate awareness, foster sustainable solutions, and build collaborative networks across Europe.
As part of this mission, Hitch for Change is focused on European Union countries, where we aim to:
✅ Raise awareness about climate change and environmental challenges.
✅ Take direct action through cleanups, workshops, and hands-on sustainability initiatives.
✅ Collaborate with local organizations and communities to amplify impact.
✅ Inspire people across Europe to take steps toward a more sustainable future.
Through Hitch for Change, we will not be just traveling—we will be on a journey of action, education, and community-driven impact.
Important Note: This role is carried out in a personal capacity, contributing to the European Climate Pact’s objectives, independent of the European Commission’s direct representation.
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We follow plant-based diet and do our best to avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. But we also know that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
Our journey has taught us that small, consistent changes lead to a massive impact, and we strive to inspire others to do what they can, however they can.
Our mission to promote sustainability and environmental awareness has caught the attention of various media outlets. From viral cleanups to impactful projects across Latin America and beyond, our work has been featured in articles, interviews, and reports.
Creating real change requires teamwork. Over the years, we have partnered with incredible organizations, brands, and communities that share our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable world. These collaborations have helped amplify our impact through cleanups, workshops, and educational events.
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Get in Touch &
Join Hitch for Change!
Driven by Purpose, United for Impact.
Want to make an impact together?
Whether you're an individual, an organization, or a brand looking to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s create a cleaner, more sustainable world—one step at a time.
Reach out today and be part of the change!
EKO Dolan, ID 19607971
Address
Topolova 1377, Most
Postal code: 43401
Czechia
@verdederos
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.