People of Ireland called to Join the Fight Against Litter for Future Generations #SpringClean18
Today the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, accompanied by the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring TD launched the 2018 National Spring Clean at a clean-up event at Merrion Square, Dublin. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the campaign runs throughout the month of April, and calls on communities to register for clean-up activities across Ireland.
The initiative is organised by An Taisce, supported by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and sponsored by the Wrigley Company.
Over 20 years, The National Spring Clean has:
Ø Collected over 33,000 tonnes – same mass as 1,685 double decker buses
Ø Organized over 70,000 clean ups
Ø Collected the equivalent of 4.8kg per participant
Ø Volunteers have contributed over 10 million hours
Speaking during the clean-up event in Dublin, Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment said: “The leadership role that the National Spring Clean continues to play in Ireland’s fight against litter is acknowledged and recognized by me and my Department. I applaud the outstanding work that the National Spring Clean campaign encourages by groups and individuals; schools and workplaces. The success of the campaign over the last twenty years is testament to all the communities that have been involved, and the community spirit that this initiative fosters. On its 20th anniversary, I would like to reiterate the call to the people of Ireland, across all sectors and walks of life, to get involved and join local clean-up events. The campaign provides people a practical opportunity to support a proactive initiative, improve our environment, and be a positive influence for the next generation.”
National Spring Clean Chairperson, Michael John O’Mahony, also commented:
“Over the last 20 years, The National Spring Clean campaign has played a vital role in creating a cleaner environment and improving the quality of life for people all across Ireland. The campaign has enjoyed immense success, with over 30,000 tonnes of litter collected during this period. The key to solving our litter problem is to continue to foster a public attitude that takes pride in a clean environment and looks upon littering as unacceptable behavior. With this continued focus, I am extremely confident that this year’s campaign will continue to break all previous records.”
Katherine Hogan, Corporate Affairs Manager, Mars Ireland (representing Wrigley) said:
“We are delighted to sponsor this fantastic initiative into its 20th year and witness the positive impact it is having on the environment and communities across the country. The National Spring Clean is a very important part of the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign to change behaviour towards the disposal of gum litter. These events reinforce the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign message and also act as a great way to bring communities together to work towards a common goal of making their local environments cleaner.”
About 2018 National Spring Clean
In its 20th year, the National Spring Clean sends a nationwide message to all communities of the collective responsibility we share in tackling our national litter problem. The National Spring Clean encourages individuals and groups such as schools, local authorities, voluntary groups, businesses and community groups to get involved in local clean-up events. By participating in organised clean-ups, people of all ages come together to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work.
All clean up groups registering with the National Spring Clean campaign receive a FREE clean-up kit comprising information, posters, colour coded refuse sacks for segregation of waste materials, protective gloves and tabards to keep participants clean! Groups registered with National Spring Clean are covered under a public liability insurance policy while engaged in clean-up activities for the duration of the campaign.
An Taisce encourages everyone taking part in ‘#springclean18’ activities to tell everyone about it. Post photos using the #SpringClean18 hashtag to your favourite social media platforms. You can tag the campaign on Twitter or Instagram using either the twitter handle @NationalSpringC, and on Instagram using the Campaign’s Instagram handle @nationalspringclean.
