The environmental charity, Surfers Against Sewage, is running its biggest cleanup yet in the fight against plastic pollution.
Here's what you can do to help them reach their goal.
Francesca Brooking
Tue 28 Sept 2021
Keen to make the world a cleaner and greener place?
Join Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) on 2-10 October as they celebrate the completion of their 2021 Million Mile Clean Campaign ahead of schedule.
This beach clean is the UK charity’s most ambitious campaign yet and they’re calling for ocean activists across the nation to help them push past the millionth mile.
Here’s what it is and how to get involved.
Join Surfers Against Sewage on their biggest beach clean yet
The Million Mile Beach Clean
Launched in April 2021, the Million Mile Beach Clean has seen more than 100,000 volunteers across the UK clean 10 miles each of green or blue space so far.
This includes beaches, streets, rivers and mountains.
The campaign was set up to primarily tackle the plastic pollution crisis. It also focuses on reconnecting communities with each other and the environment following the impact of the pandemic.
Volunteers can help make a real difference to the places they love whilst improving their own physical health and mental wellbeing in the process.
The original plan was to complete the millionth mile goal by December, but the mass-community mobilisation has been so huge from the public that it could be completed as early as October.
“Through the Million Mile Clean we have empowered an army of Ocean Activists like never before and we are now calling on you one last time to unite for the ocean and environment.”
The Millionth Mile Week
The Millionth Mile Week is scheduled to take place from 2-10 October. The event will involve 400 cleans across the UK and will be attended by 30,000 volunteers.
An official launch will be held at The Millionth Mile Clean on Sunday 3 October at Perranporth Beach, Cornwall.
Hugo Tagholm, Chief Executive of Surfers Against Sewage, says: “Despite the restrictions and uncertainty still in place throughout 2021, we have been blown away by the response from communities across the UK so far.
“Through the Million Mile Clean we have empowered an army of Ocean Activists like never before and we are now calling on you one last time to unite for the ocean and environment.
“We know we will achieve one million miles but this shouldn’t be seen as a limit. The question now is how far can we go? Sign up and get involved today and together we can make a difference.”
400 cleans will take place over the Millionth Mile Week
How to get involved in the Million Mile Clean
Volunteers across the UK are invited to choose one of three ways to take part in helping Surfers Against Sewage reach their goal and take a stand against plastic pollution.
1.) You’re invited to set up and register your own clean in your local community.
All clean leaders are given a free equipment pack for 30 volunteers and relevant safety guidance. Once you complete your clean, you can submit your results online.
2.) Alternatively, you can register to join a clean that’s set to take place.
3.) Or do your own Mini Beach Clean. Visit Beach Clean online to get started.
Whatever you do, make sure you remember to track your distance, submit your results, and use the hashtags #MillionMileBeachClean or #MillionMileClean when posting on social media so your hard work is counted.
All your cleaning action, no matter how small, counts towards their Million Mile goal.
Get involved in a beach clean here.
