World Clean-up Day will be celebrated tomorrow, Friday 20th September. Around the world, millions of people from all walks of life will unite to remove trash from natural environments on land and sea. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved and make a tangible difference to our environment.
The day is used to tackle the global environmental pollution and waste crisis. A large amount of waste still enters the environment with serious implications for flora and fauna, ecosystems, and human health. It diminishes the beauty of our environment.
The day is also used to raise awareness and inspire others to take action. From its humble beginnings in Estonia in 2008, when 50,000 people came together to clean the entire country in just five hours, it has spread worldwide. In 2023, millions of people from 198 countries joined forces to remove trash from public spaces, including streets, rivers, forests, beaches, and the ocean. The same year, the day was added to the UN Calendar of International Days, giving it further momentum.
A lot of waste still enters the environment
There are many ways in which you can participate.
You can take part in an event in your area. Check on local and social media, with environmental organisations, or with local authorities to find out about events happening near you either tomorrow or in the coming weeks through the national cleaning-up campaign. You can also help by donating materials, such as trash bags, gloves, or reusable litter-picking tools, to local clean-up events or organizations.
You can take action on your own by picking litter in your neighbourhood, for example while on a walk or while hiking along nature trails.
You can organize a clean-up event by gathering volunteers and local partners. Pick a location that needs cleaning up, such as a beach, provide necessary items such as trash bags and gloves, and organize to properly sort and dispose of the trash you collect. Check the World Clean Up Day website to find resources such as guidelines for a proper clean-up. Register your event so that it contributes towards the global count. If you can’t organize an event for the exact day, you can still register any events after this date this year as the results will still be counted.
Raise awareness and inspire others to take action
If you can’t join an event, you can participate by raising awareness and educating others about the harmful effects of trash and encourage them to take action. Clean-ups alone are not the solution for a waste-free world. Create awareness by sharing tips and resources to encourage others to take daily steps to reduce the amount of waste created, such as by observing the 5Rs: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle. Take part in or visit events and fairs showcasing recycling innovations and best practices.
Additionally, support initiatives that aim to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices that can have a long-lasting impact. Commit to ongoing environmental conservation.
Finally, make an effort to incorporate eco-friendly habits into your daily life. Use reusable items, reduce single-use plastics, and support businesses that prioritize sustainability. Together, these actions can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone.