It's been a bit of mixed summer, but when we finally get to hit the beach we want it looking great. If you want to help keep the local sandy shore litter free sign up to take part in the Big Beach Clean from September 15-17.
The annual event, from Clean Coasts, is asking participants to sign up to receive a free clean-up kit and join a worldwide citizen science project. There are almost 150 groups already registered, but we want loads more!
You can sign up with a friend, your school or any local group to help improve your area.
Register at www.cleancoasts.org.
In 2022, over 500 clean-up events took place and volunteers made an incredible impact by removing 42 tonnes of litter from the Irish coast and inland locations. As Clean Coasts celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, the aim is to make this year's Big Beach Clean the biggest one yet.
The Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), organized by the Ocean Conservancy. This annual call to action invites communities and volunteers to come together and host a clean-up after the bathing season ends.
By collecting data on the amount and types of litter found on Irish beaches and filling out Clean Coasts' Marine Litter Data Cards, volunteers contribute to raising awareness about the issue of marine litter. This data serves as an indicator of the problem's scale and aids in shaping future policies and campaigns.
The 2022 results have been shared with Ocean Conservancy, and in Ireland, they have influenced Clean Coasts' campaigns targeting the top 10 litter offenders, including cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and food packaging.
An Taisce National Spring Clean programme is joining the initiative again and registration for the Big Beach Clean is open to all residents of Ireland, even if you don't live near a coastline.
Statistics show that urban litter is one of the main causes of marine litter, therefore, even those in non-coastal counties can participate and contribute to preventing litter from entering waterways and seas.
By joining the Big Beach Clean, volunteers play a crucial role in addressing the problem at its source and making a positive impact on the environment.
