Join us to say 'thank you' to the environment.
On Sunday 7th July this year we’re inviting the UK to get out and thank their local environment, together.
We all know that green space is vital for our mental and physical health, whether going for a walk in woodlands, under the trees that line our streets or enjoying the plants and flowers in our window boxes, we have so much to be grateful to our natural environment for.
Therefore, The Conservation Volunteers are inviting the UK to come together to say thank you nature.
Connect, protect and restore nature - a power hour litter pick
A simple way to say thank you to the environment is to remove the litter that can plague it. By joining a litter pick, you’ll reduce potential damage to wildlife and clear up areas to make green spaces more accessible, all while giving yourself a positive experience. You’ll take part in a purposeful, outdoor activity to support your own physical and mental health and wellbeing – together with other local people.
Find a TCV activity near to you that supports making green spaces more accessible.
How to do your own litter pick
Litter Picking Tools
Your local community group or council can often provide all the tools and safety equipment you might need but here’s a simple kit list:
- High-vis vest or jacket: Especially important if litter picking near roads.
- Heavy-duty gloves: Protect your hands from sharp objects and dirt.
- Litter picker grabber: These handy tools allow you to grab litter from a distance, minimising contact with potentially hazardous objects. You can often borrow these from your local council or community group.
- Strong rubbish bags: Separate bags for general waste and recycling are ideal. You can also source bin bag holder hoops which help to keep the bag open.
- A first-aid kit: If you pick litter carefully you hopefully won’t need to use it, but it’s always good to have one with you including hand sanitiser
Top Litter Picking Tips
Choose a suitable location: Parks, beaches, and verges are all great options.
Plan your route: This will help you cover a wider area and avoid duplication of effort. It is always safest if people know where you are going too.
Work in teams: Divide your group into smaller teams to work more efficiently.
Remember, safety is paramount: Don’t pick up anything sharp or hazardous unless you have been trained to do so and have a specialised sharps box. If you haven’t and you see any syringes or hazardous waste, these can be reported to your local council.
Finally, remember to have fun! Play some music, chat with your neighbours, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a difference.
Read our full guide including why litter picks are important for the environment and your community.
About Thank You Day
Since 2021 Thank You Day has brought millions of people together to celebrate each other and give thanks to those that go above and beyond. It is an opportunity to come together through thanking the people on our streets, in our block of flats and all those local legends; the volunteers, teachers, carers who go the extra mile for us.
Last year over 6 million people took part in Thank You Day events across the UK.
In its fourth year, individuals, organisations, churches, schools, sports & music groups are all coming together to host community take-overs, street parties, and local events as a way to say Thank You!