Join the Movement: Communities in Ireland Unite for the Exciting Launch of #SpringClean25!

An Taisce is reaching out to communities in County Cork, inviting them to join forces for a cleaner environment as part of the upcoming National Spring Clean 2025. Kicking off on April 1st, this annual event aims to mobilize volunteers across Ireland to tackle litter in their local areas.

This year’s campaign is set to be the largest ever, with nearly 3,000 participants already signed up. Registration will remain open throughout April, so there’s still time for individuals and community groups to jump on board.

The National Spring Clean, which is Ireland’s biggest anti-litter initiative, has been running for 26 years. It’s supported by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and sponsored by Mars Wrigley. Over the years, it has engaged thousands of volunteers, leading to the removal of around 50,000 tonnes of litter from streets, parks, and coastlines.

In 2024 alone, over 5,400 groups collected an estimated 2,725 tonnes of waste during the event. Impressively, 35% of the collected litter was recycled. This focus on recycling aligns with wider efforts to promote a circular economy and reduce waste in Ireland.

Amidst these clean-up initiatives, a new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) was launched in February, which has reportedly halved the presence of plastic bottles and cans in monitored locations. The DRS recently hit a milestone of returning 1 billion containers, showcasing the community’s commitment to environmental health. However, challenges remain as litter—especially related to smoking products—continues to rise.

Experts emphasize the importance of community-driven efforts like the National Spring Clean. Minister of State for Climate, Environment, and Energy, Alan Dillon TD, highlighted the significant spirit of volunteerism, stating, “They show a fantastic desire to positively contribute to their local environment.” National Spring Clean Manager Emlyn Cullen echoed this sentiment, noting the essential role volunteers play in the campaign’s success.

This year’s campaign would be further enriched by community spirit and local involvement. Mars Wrigley’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Anne Sheeran, affirmed their support for the initiative, emphasizing its role in empowering individuals to make a positive impact.

To help facilitate the clean-up events, An Taisce provides volunteers with downloadable information packs featuring guidelines on organizing clean-ups, health and safety tips, and recycling advice. This resource ensures that each community effort can run smoothly and effectively.

For more information on how to get involved, you can visit the National Spring Clean’s official website at www.nationalspringclean.org.

Check out this related article: Discover How Lagos Tackles Its Daily 13,000 Tonnes of Waste: Insights from EnviroNews on Environmental Challenges and Solutions

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