—Communities Tackling Plastic
The Litter Problem!
There are an
estimated 11,983,664 items of litter polluting Northern Ireland at all times. (KNIB Litter
Composition Analysis Report 22-23)
Analysing all forms
of litter including drinks containers, dog fouling and confectionery packaging,
the report established that producers from the soft drinks, chocolate and chewing gum industries command 64 per cent of all branded litter
found around the province.
Coca-Cola HBC Ltd, Red Bull GmbH, Mondelez Europe, and AG Barr products make up 50 per cent of the branded litter problem, and that 54 per cent of the total litter recorded is made from plastic.
Vaping products have emerged as almost two per cent of the litter problem, placing them on a par with perennial litter offenders like coffee cups and food waste.
Cigarette-butts remain a
significant threat to the environment, with a predicted 1,194,692 butts scattered
throughout communities in Northern Ireland, accounting for ten per cent of the overall
litter slice.
How can you as a community get involved with?
You could join our Big Spring Clean which runs from the 1st March to 30th April and is open to everyone. The goal - to work together towards a cleaner environment by eliminating litter this spring!
There are a number of Guides and Reports to help on your journey to litter and plastic free communities:
We also operate a number of awards to get involved with:
What can you as an individual do?
Make sure to put rubbish in bins.
Ensure that when at home all recycling bags/bins are secure so that loose papers and
other items can't fall out and become litter.
Bring your reusables - bottles, cups, lunchboxes, bags etc. with you when you are on the go.
Educate children about the importance of disposing of rubbish properly.
Take part in community clean-up events.