A recent study uncovered that 27 million adults living in the UK admitted to littering within the past year. Additionally, over 15.1 million individuals (28%) acknowledged discarding unwanted food items like fruit peels, sandwich crusts, and ice cream cones under the assumption that they would naturally decompose.
Conducted by YouGov on behalf of environmental organization Keep Britain Tidy, the survey sheds light on the nation’s littering habits. More than five million people, equating to one in 10 (10%), confessed to leaving behind packaging after consuming food or beverages, while approximately 3.7 million individuals (seven per cent) admitted to abandoning rubbish at public transportation stops.
These revelations precede the upcoming Keep Britain’s Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign, scheduled from March 13th to 29th. In partnership with the Daily Mirror for the second consecutive year, the environmental charity aims to mobilize millions of volunteers to participate in cleaning up streets, parks, and beaches. Over the past decade, these efforts have resulted in the removal of more than 4.5 million bags of harmful waste from public areas.
Encouraging active participation in this nationwide environmental initiative, Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, emphasized the detrimental impact of litter on the environment and wildlife. She stressed the importance of responsible waste disposal, highlighting the significant financial burden – amounting to £1 billion annually – that local authorities bear in managing rubbish.
Moreover, the study indicated that more than 3.2 million adults (six per cent) cited dirtiness, foul odor, or messiness as reasons for leaving or dropping litter, while 2.4 million individuals (five per cent) admitted to depositing waste in hedges, bushes, or trees. Additionally, 3.2 million people (six per cent) confessed to throwing litter out of vehicle windows.
Laura Chow, the head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, expressed gratitude to supporters for their contributions to the Great British Spring Clean. She also commended the dedicated Litter Heroes volunteers nationwide for their pivotal role in the campaign’s success.
Whether dedicating an hour during a leisurely walk or organizing a large-scale cleanup, every effort counts. Individuals and groups are encouraged to pledge their participation in the Great British Spring Clean from March 13th to 29th via Keep Britain Tidy’s website. By joining the Litter Heroes community, volunteers gain access to resources, safety guidelines, and a supportive network of environmentally conscious individuals committed to making a tangible impact.
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