Saturday 17th September is World Clean Up Day.
Clean up has become a buzz word and whilst we wish they were a thing of the past and everyone took responsibility for their part, sadly this is not the case and clean ups remain a necessity. We have to move through the notion that it’s not our litter or responsibility as we have a united responsibility to preserve the planet. Watch how your positive actions ripple out and encourage others to think twice before they dump rubbish or inspire them to pick up that bottle top on the beach next time. We absolutely salute every person already doing their bit towards a sustainable future, and urge you to keep on going!
Here on Gozo we have an inherent advantage of living in a small community, making it an ideal place to adopt environmental initiatives and tackle eco issues collectively and head on. We are all proud of the beautiful island we are blessed to live on, so lets turn that bountiful proud energy into action and not get disheartened by others who are not following this path (yet). Keep on doing your bit and eventually people will start to think and act differently. Positively there has been a birth of sustainable companies, cleaner industries and other green initiatives and campaigns on Gozo and the 2050 target for Gozo to be carbon-neutral is expected to be achieved even earlier!
Leave your footprints in the sand and nothing else.
anon
ongoing CLEAN UP IDEAS
Whilst getting to the root cause of the issue and changing consumer behaviour is pivotal, we have a duty to continue clean-up efforts. Litter on the streets doesn’t stay there, plastic waste can ultimately end up in the ocean, which very slowly breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, these are extremely harmful to sea life and end up in the food system.
Here’s some ideas on how you can play your part to keep Gozo clean whilst keeping physically active and inspiring others. Small steps lead to big changes.
use the local COUNCIL services
Do not throw litter into regular bins that can be recycled, this will end up in landfill or blown away into the ocean. For larger items, use the free skips provided by the local council, there is zero excuse for fly tipping.
10 day challenge
For 10 days collect 10 pieces of rubbish and invite 10 others to the do same, very quickly your 100 pieces becomes 1000 and so on.
Turn a catch up into a clean up
When meeting friends or family for a walk or a weekend lunch then tag on a clean up to your day (adhering to Covid-19 restrictions). This is a great educational way to keep your kids entertained and psychically active too.
Be prepared
Carry bags for waste and recyclables when walking and in your car, every single piece you pick up counts. Add a sieve and bucket to your beach bag, whilst enjoying the sun make a difference to the microplastic and cigarette butt issue.
join community group
Join the Gozo Volunteer Clean Up Group on Facebook to participate in other clean up events throughout the year.
Share this with friends, family and colleagues and proactively join forces with your community to clean up the beautiful streets and coastlines of Gozo while lifting spirits!
