Litter
I’d like to tackle the blight of litter around our area. Lots of volunteers have been doing a great job over the years organising periodic litter picks but I’d like to do more. I’ve spoken to a lot of people recently who do what I do, and pick up litter on their normal walks around (sometimes with their dog or their children). I want to see if people would back me on this scheme:
Once A Week Litter Pick (“WALLOP”)
Volunteer residents will look after an area which might be their own road or the regular walk they do. Just once a week at most, and only those weeks you can manage it. I’ve been trying this out myself during the lock down and already look after a couple of areas. After my first big sweep, it’s a lot easier and has definitely reduced the litter around.
We would supply litter pickers and bags. On or before your first session someone will come with you and give you a practical safety briefing. In addition we’d say no sharp objects and no dog poo bags. Recycle if you can. We’d also maybe get a big waste bin centrally located. Those in the scheme would register along with their chosen area so we don’t double-up, and would be recognised as Community Clean Up Champions. My idea is on registration you get a badge and you can wear this to show what you’re doing. After a certain number of litter picks you would get an award and recognition publicly if you are OK with that – privacy otherwise.
Theory says people drop less litter in clean areas than in ones already littered. Seeing people litter pick also does that and knowing community volunteers clean up discourages people from dropping litter. All this starts to change culture and attitudes, which is what we need to do.
I’ll need time to set it up this way.
Would people back this and join in?
