Join 300 Clean Coasts Volunteers for the Big Beach Clean in County Tipperary

This year’s Big Beach Clean is set to take place from the 20th to the 22nd of September with over 10,000 volunteers taking part nationwide. This international citizen project run by Clean Coasts aims to make a positive impact on Irelands coastal areas and waterways.  

In Tipperary 15 groups and over 300 volunteers are getting ready to rid the oceans of litter. This year areas such as Nenagh, Thurles, Clonmel and Roscrea are hosting clean ups as part of the Big Beach Clean. Litter collected from Ireland’ beaches will be submitted through Marine Litter data cards or the Clean Swell app and shared with Ocean Conservancy who will use this data to create reports to influence change in policy surrounding ocean pollution worldwide including taking steps like banning single use containers and plastic straws.  

As well as cleaning litter from beaches across the country, the Big Beach Clean encourages non-coastal communities to clean their towns and villages to stop this litter from entering waterways and the ocean. This measure can have an immense impact on water litter as it has been statistically shown that 70% of litter in waterways comes from land-based activities.  

Anyone who wants to join the effort to keep Ireland’s waterways, rivers and the ocean clean must register with An Taisce before 5pm on the 11th of September to receive a free clean up kit, while stocks last. To register visit http://www.cleancoasts.org

Speaking about the initiative, Bronagh Moore, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Manager said:  

” We are thrilled to see such large numbers already signed up for the Big Beach Clean 2024. It’s a fantastic way for individuals, clubs and communities to come together and be part of a powerful movement working to protect our coastlines and waterways. By recording and reporting on the litter collected, we are not only cleaning up our beaches but providing important data that that can influence and lead to impactful global campaigns and changes in policy. It’s a great opportunity to be involved in a global effort to protect our ocean.”