Litter is still a depressingly common sight in the UK, clogging up our parks, rivers, towns and beaches.
And discarded bottles, chocolate wrappers, crisp packets, cigarette ends and takeaway containers aren’t just an unsightly blight on our communities, they’re damaging the environment – and even choking wildlife.
The good news is that more than half a million volunteers have so far signed up to help clear litter as part of the annual Great British Spring Clean, organised by campaign group Keep Britain Tidy.
More than 200 local councils, as well as charities, businesses, schools, community groups and individuals, have organised local litter picks between now and 23 April with the hopes of clearing tonnes of rubbish.
The campaign was first run in 2017 and attracted volunteers in their hundreds of thousands.
Despite last year’s litter picks coinciding with the Beast from the East, more than 371,566 people took part including more than 126,651 school children.
Soft drink cans, bottles, cartons, alcohol cans, wine bottles, spirit bottles and fast food packaging were the most commonly picked items, they reported.
How To Get Involved This Year
There are hundreds of local activities already planned – register as a volunteer on the site here to find out what’s happening in your local area.
In Manchester, for example, there are a whole range of events planned from St Peter’s Square to right by Manchester Piccadilly. There are scores planned in London, too, as well as many around the UK coastline. If there’s nothing already planned in your area you can also set up and list your own event here.
“More than 80% of marine litter comes from the land so we all need to do our bit to create a better environment for now and for future generations,” said Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy.