Keep Britain Tidy’s #litterheroes ambassador Paul Ellison calls on Rochdale borough to join #bigbagchallenge

Keep Britain Tidy ambassador Paul Ellison is leading the way in clearing up the Rochdale borough as the charity launches its Great British Spring Clean.

As well as polluting our streets, parks and beaches, litter harms wildlife, domestic pets and cattle, and costs us nearly £1 billion a year to clean up.

The Great British Spring Clean, now in its eighth year, brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep.

This year, the charity launched a #BigBagChallenge, encouraging everyone to pledge each bag they will pick online during the course of the campaign.

Paul is a Keep Britain Tidy’s #LitterHeroes Ambassador, one of several across the country who have been working tirelessly litter-picking and making a difference to local areas. The charity’s ambassador programme is made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The LitterHeroes met in the Houses of Parliament earlier this month for this year's launch event, where Paul was recognised for his contributions with a £100 voucher, which he spent on equipment towards the litter picks.

Paul and the other LitterHeroes are gearing up for this year’s Great British Spring Clean, which runs from 17 March to 2 April, encouraging anyone and everyone to participate. 

He said: “This year’s theme is ‘one big bag’ and what a difference we can all make if we collect one bag of litter.

“Whether you’re an individual who regularly picks up litter when out and about, or a community group looking to host their first event, we can all make the borough a cleaner, lovelier place. The council will once again be distributing loans of litter picking packs to volunteers, with details to be announced nearer the time. 

“Rochdale Council has given us years of continued support for the cause, for which we must thank them. Anyone who wants to litter pick can also get in touch with the council for equipment.

“If you’re hosting a litter pick, contact Rochdale Online and list it on the events page so people know when and where to get involved locally. The annual Norden Spring Clean is being held on 18 March, so please come and get involved.”

 

 

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “Our #LitterHeroes Ambassadors are the bedrock of the litter-picking community across the country and the support of Paul and their fellow ambassadors is crucial to the success of the Great British Spring Clean.

“During this year’s campaign, we are calling on everyone to harness the power of collective environmental action by taking on the #BigBagChallenge. I want to see families, neighbours, friends and colleagues join forces with volunteers like Paul and pledge to pick a bag of litter. Whether it’s from nearby streets, beauty spots or beaches, you’ll be helping to protect our vibrant communities and precious wildlife habitats.

“If thousands of new volunteers across the country follow Paul’s example, those small actions for the environment, taken together, will make a huge difference.”

The environmental charity is asking people across the country to pledge to do their bit to clear up the litter pollution that is so damaging for the environment and wildlife.

This year’s campaign comes as the charity reveals taking eco-action in the outdoors is critical to the wellbeing of our communities, with significant benefits to people’s mental health.

 

 

In a survey of people who took part in 2021, 86% said volunteering helped improve their mood, up from 79% in 2020.

More than half (52%) agreed it helped them meet new people and make friends, and a staggering 91% agreed they felt more pride in their local area after participating.

Almost everybody surveyed (98%) agreed the campaign reduced the impact of litter on wildlife and the natural environment.

If you’re hosting a litter pick or looking to get involved, you can list it for free on the Rochdale Online events page.

You can also pledge to get involved with the #BigBagChallenge today at www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean

Anyone wishing to tidy up the borough - you don't need to attend a clean-up event - can order a litter-picking kit via Rochdale Borough Council.