Cornish charity launches 'Million Mile Beach Clean' to help tackle plastic pollution
Surfers Against Sewage are hoping to inspire 100,000 people to tidy up their local area
Last updated 8th Apr 2021
Cornish campaigners are launching what they call 'the UK's biggest ever beach clean' to tackle plastic pollution.
Surfers Against Sewage, based in St Agnes, hopes to inspire 100,000 people to tidy up their local area and help the environment.
The 'Million Mile Beach Clean' aims to protect oceans and wildlife as well as get everyone outside as lockdown lifts.
Created in response to the pandemic, the campaign connects your beach, street, river and mountain cleaning action. Running throughout the year, Surfers Against Sewage are aiming to inspire, empower and support 100,000 volunteers walking 10 miles whilst cleaning the places they love.
According to new research, over half of Brits think Covid-19 has led to an increase in plastic pollution
Almost two-thirds have seen more waste in their area over the last 12 months.
51% say they see more plastic on UK beaches than wildlife and 41% Brits feel their mental health has deteriorated as a result of lockdown
The charity says that this campaign reflects and celebrates a national mood of hope and optimism as the country emerges from a dark winter spent in lockdown.
Surfers Against Sewage says now more than ever, it is crucial for us all to reconnect with the outdoors and the Million Mile Clean provides 'an opportunity for you to prioritise your health whilst also creating a positive impact on your environment'.
“The ocean is under threat and we are running out of time to save it. We want to inspire an army of ocean activists to join the cause and put an end to plastic pollution in the UK.
"After more than a year of isolation, social distancing and reduced physical activity, the Million Mile Beach Clean reconnects communities with the environment and provides numerous benefits to mental health and physical wellbeing. Sign up and get involved today and together we can make a difference.”
Hugo Tagholm, Chief Executive of Surfers Against Sewage
Get involved
Organise or take part in cleans happening at the Beach, Rivers, Mountain and on city Streets – whichever is more local to you. Surfers Against Sewage wants to see people from all walks of life joining in, whether that’s on sand dunes, up river banks or on the roadside.
They are calling on individuals, schools, organisations, clubs and local businesses to sign up, get involved and commit to covering 10 miles of cleans in 2021.
To find your local event, set up a clean or for more info, visit the website here.
Track your cleans via our Strava Club: ‘Surfers Against Sewage: Million Mile Clean’:
United Kingdom Club | Surfers Against Sewage: Million Mile Clean on Strava
The details
The Million Mile Clean supports a decade of activism and will last throughout the UN Decade of Ocean Science, delivering a 10 million miles by 2030 and aligning with SAS’s 10 year ambition of ending plastic pollution on UK beaches by 2030.
Whilst the initiative runs throughout 2021, the first week of action will take place between the 15th and 23rd of May.
You can find more information here.