One bag. Big difference

“Our message this year is simple: even one bag can make a big difference. Whether you choose to clean up your own neighbourhood, your favourite beach, park or beauty spot - every piece of litter removed from the natural environment matters.” Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive"

This spring, environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy is looking to inspire thousands of litter heroes across Wales to join forces to collect and safely dispose of litter from our streets, green spaces and beaches. Last year’s Spring Clean Cymru was the biggest ever, with an incredible 17,000 volunteers getting involved in 364 events across the country. The message this year is simple: even one bag can make a difference. Individuals, families, community groups, schools and businesses are being urged to get involved between 17 March and 2 April.

Why Spring Clean?

Not only does litter cost Wales roughly £70 million to remove each year, but it also has devastating effects on our marine and local wildlife. The RSPCA reports on average receiving 14 calls a day about animals affected by litter, with calls spiking in the summer months. Litter picking is also a fun, free event that can benefit your health, well-being, and sense of pride in your community. In a recent survey, 90% of Keep Wales Tidy’s Litter Champions (volunteers that regularly carry out clean-ups) said that litter picking made them feel good about themselves. 71% said it made them feel healthier and more physically active. And 88% said they felt they were having a positive impact on their local area.

How to get involved Joining in with Spring Clean Cymru is easy.

Just head to the Keep Wales Tidy website and fill out the simple online form with details of your clean-up. There’s guidance on how to plan a safe event, including step by step information on assessing risks, how you can get hold of the right kit and dispose of the litter and recycling you collect. There are also a whole range of publicity materials to help you shout about your event. If you’d rather join a clean-up that is already being planned, Keep Wales Tidy have an interactive map on their website too. This includes details of clean-ups being organised by their local project officers as well as open events that are being arranged by community groups and other organisations.

No one is too small to make a difference Keep Wales Tidy firmly believe no one is too small to make a big difference. That’s why, as part of Spring Clean Cymru, they are encouraging schools to get involved in the Great Big School Clean. Schools can hold a clean-up (or several clean-ups) anytime between 17 March and 2 April, collecting as much litter as they can. There are even special Great Big School Clean resources, ideas and activities for schools taking part.

Get involved in Spring Clean Cymru – visit the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/spring-clean-cymru Whatever actions you’re taking, share your pictures and plans with Keep Wales Tidy using #SpringCleanCymru.

Showing love for Wales As well as tying into the UK-wide Great British Spring Clean campaign, Spring Clean Cymru is part of Caru Cymru – Keep Wales Tidy’s biggest ever initiative to eradicate litter and waste. Caru Cymru (a Welsh phrase meaning ‘Love Wales’) aims to inspire everyone to take action and care for the environment. The vision is that it will become second nature for everybody to do the right thing, from taking litter home and cleaning up after their dog, recycling ‘on-the-go’, reusing and repairing. By everybody working together to create a clean and safe environment, we can build stronger, healthier communities and make a positive difference to our planet. Caru Cymru has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Visit the Keep Wales Tidy website to find out more about Caru Cymru www.keepwalestidy.cymru/caru-cymru or email: carucymru@keepwalestidy.cymru #CaruCymru.