Big Clean Up to tackle litter on local waterways
Individuals and community groups are being invited to tackle litter on any of Carlow’s waterways this September as part of ‘The Big Clean Up’
VOLUNTEERS are being invited to tackle litter on any of Carlow’s waterways this September as part of ‘The Big Clean Up’.
In a land-locked county, you might wonder why the people of Carlow are being asked to get involved in what is typically a beach clean-up. Dee Sewell, Carlow’s new environmental awareness officer told : “Statistics reveal that litter dropped in towns and cities is the primary cause of marine litter. No matter where we live, we can help prevent litter from entering our precious waterways. We can tackle this problem at source, in our local rivers." The An Taisce Clean Coasts initiative runs from 20-22 September.
The annual event invites volunteers to remove litter after the end of the bathing season. Last year, more than 400 clean-up events took place, removing an incredible 46 tons of litter from both coastal and inland locations.
It also gives volunteers an opportunity to take part in a worldwide citizen science project, which includes collecting the amount and types of litter and filling in Litter Data Cards, heightening awareness and helping to shape policies and campaigns. Free clean-up kits and resources are available by registering on the cleancoasts.org website. Carlow County Council will dispose of any litter collected. Contact dsewell@carlowcoco.ie for more information.
