4th December 2024
‘Clean Cornwall’… it aims to do what it says on the tin
DID you know that there is a body called ‘Clean Cornwall’ and that it produces regular newsletters.
As its name surely implies, it has a number of meritorious aims, perhaps the one closest to the Morval Parish ‘bailiwick’ being the ability to organise beach cleans and the like.
Crucially, ‘Clean Cornwall’, run by its ‘master’ body, the Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC), believes it is essential that we all keep our outdoor spaces clean and litter-free, ensuring that these can be enjoyed, not just in winter but also throughout every season.
Said a spokesperson for CRCC: “The festive season often creates a surge in waste, especially plastic, but small conscious changes can make a big difference. Let’s work together to protect Cornwall’s unique beauty while enjoying the Christmas spirit.”
No fewer than 1,653 volunteers have been supported by CRCC across the county in the past year, with 313 litter picks registered and 1,457 bags of litter removed from the environment.
The organisation has also partnered with 15 organisations in the marine leisure industry to collect hard-to-reach rubbish along the coastline, tackling a challenging area of environmental care, and it has also secured funding through the ‘Access for All’ Grant Programme (managed by Cornwall National Landscape) to expand its range of equipment for inclusive litter-picking activities.
New resources include extra-long litter pickers with magnetic grips; wheeled collection bins and walking aids, and two all-terrain wheelchairs for accessibility.
Those items are available to loan from the organisation’s Penzance and Truro offices, ensuring everyone, regardless of mobility, can participate in environmental action.
‘Clean Cornwall’ also keeps abreast of global trends and has noted that Japanese scientists have created plastic that dissolves safely in seawater, preventing micro-plastic pollution; has closely following Kelpi (a Bristol-based BCorp organisation) developing a seaweed-based sustainable packaging, and has drawn up a list of objectives to make for ‘a conscious consumer this Christmas’.
“By embracing small changes like the ones we are advocating, we can reduce the environmental impact of Christmas while still spreading joy and kindness,” added the spokesperson.
The ‘Clean Cornwall’ team at CRCC says that is always on hand to help.
Anyone needing advice or support, relating to litter picking equipment or any other ‘Clean Cornwall’ project should e-mail: info@cleancornwall.org.
Alternatively, you can sign up to the ‘Clean Cornwall’ e-mail by visiting: https://cornwallrcc.org.uk/sign-up.