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Tips and inspiration
- Everyone deserves to live in a clean environment. By looking after local nature, you take a small but powerful step to becoming a caretaker for the planet as a whole.
- Use this map to find local litter picking groups across the UK and Ireland or check community notice boards, social media groups and local council websites.
- When you join a local group, you’ll be provided with protective equipment and the local council will assist in disposing correctly of the rubbish you collect.
- If you can’t find an event near you or want to advocate for an overlooked space, try setting up your own litter pick. Follow this beginner’s guide to litter picking.
The big picture
Our rubbish can impact remote and protected areas. Plastic waste has been found in the Mariana Trench – the deepest part of the ocean.
Source:
Human footprint in the abyss: 30 year records of deep-sea plastic debris (2018)
Why is this action beneficial?
Reduce pollution
Litter is mostly made up of plastics that don’t decompose. Instead, they break up into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics. Removing litter stops this process and keeps plastic from entering waterways and oceans and disrupting habitats.
Reduce waste
Witnessing the amount of plastic waste in parks, rivers and beaches may persuade you to stop using single-use plastic. Swapping a takeaway coffee cup for a reusable one, opting for packaging-free groceries or using a refillable water bottle are easy ways to reduce your plastic waste.
Protect nature
Every item you remove from the environment, helps protect animals that might eat or become entangled in it.
Improve health
Litter picking gets you moving and outdoors. Plus, you’re making an immediate positive difference to your local environment, which can bring you a sense of pride and boost your mental health.
Strengthen community
Joining or organising a clean-up event connects you with like-minded individuals in your area. Together you can take action to look after the place that you all care about.
Spread the word
Bring your friends along to a community litter pick. These events are great opportunities to share ways of living more sustainably and tips for looking after your environment.
Similar actions
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