The worldwide climate emergency is top of mind for many, especially with the 26th United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) under way in Glasgow this month. Finderne residents are invited to take local action to protect the environment by joining a community-wide litter pick throughout November and into December.

Our local litter problem is part of a larger troubling trend across Scotland that is wreaking havoc on marine wildlife and ocean waters around us. According to a 2020 Marine Scotland Science study, Scottish littering puts more than 1,000 tonnes of macro plastics into the sea annually, and 90 percent of this is caused by land littering. Furthermore, Zero Waste Scotland estimates half of all litter in Scotland could have been recycled.

This second community-led litter pick builds upon a spirited outpouring of volunteerism last spring. More than 50 Finderne residents picked up rubbish and recyclables from our roadsides and nature trails in April and May, accumulating more than 100 bags of litter and many bulky items for collection by Moray Council.

Nine Logie Primary School pupils participated in last spring’s litter pick as part of teacher Jane Wallace’s class. “It is important to put rubbish in the bin because it can break into tiny pieces and affect plants and animals and how they grow,” said Volcano Evans, a P6 Logie Primary School pupil last spring, reflecting on the lesson.

“The commitment and outpouring of the Finderne community in support of local wildlife and plants last spring was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming,” said Rafford resident Lisa Wolff, who is leading the community-wide effort again for the November/December clean-up.

In a follow-up survey of volunteers, 71 percent of respondents expressed interest in having bi-annual litter picks. “I am very happy to initiate litter picks every spring and autumn because of the volunteer interest and the great support we get from the Finderne Development Trust (FDT) and Moray Council,” added Lisa, who also volunteers as a board director for Moray Waste Busters and is co-owner with her husband of the Bee Home Cottage zero-waste skincare line.

The FDT and Moray Council have supported the community-led litter picks, loaning equipment such as litter grabbers, bag hoops, bin bags, gloves and other safety equipment. All litter is collected in either black bags for rubbish or clear bags for recyclables, and Lisa is coordinating pick-ups with Jim Durkin of Moray Council’s Environmental and Commercial Services.

Clean-up efforts begin the week commencing November 8th and will continue throughout November and into December. If you would like to volunteer, contact Lisa Wolff at beehomecottage@gmail.com or 07981177625.

The beautiful nature of Finderne has given us much to be grateful for throughout the COVID lockdowns. Now, in celebration of Earth Day on Thursday, April 22nd, residents in Finderne are being invited to give back to nature in the form of RE-Fresh litter picks throughout April.

Our local litter problem is part of a larger troubling trend across Scotland that is wreaking havoc on marine wildlife and ocean waters around us. According to a 2020 Marine Scotland Science study, Scottish littering puts more than 1,000 tonnes of macro plastics into the sea annually and 90 percent of this is caused by land littering. 

Zero Waste Scotland estimates half of all litter in Scotland could have been recycled. Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme, which comes into effect in 2022 on Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass aluminum and steel containers, is expected to reduce the littler problem by a third. But that is not enough.

Finderne Development Trust member and Rafford resident Lisa Wolff is organising the socially distanced “RE-Fresh Finderne” litter pick now until April 27th, together with Nancy Hurst who is leading a concurrent “RE-Fresh Findhorn” litter pick from April 28^th to April 30^th. This community-wide effort already includes approximately 20 volunteers throughout Finderne, and builds upon frequent litter picking conducted by individuals throughout lockdown. 

Lisa is passionate about waste reduction, serving on the board for Moray Waste Busters and running local business Bee Home Cottage with her husband John. “Our local walk takes us past a ditch that is filled with recyclable plastic and glass bottles and lots of cans,” said Lisa. “I could not ignore its impending harm to local or marine wildlife any longer, and had a feeling I wasn’t alone. So I contacted Finderne Development Trust and Moray Council to see if a community-wide cleanup might be possible.” 

Nancy, a former resident of Rafford who runs a health and safety training company Parallel Training, now lives in Findhorn.  She has a desire to keep her village free from litter, especially with the influx of visitors over the coming summer months. “I believe keeping the streets, trails and beaches free of litter encourages others to do the same,” said Nancy.

Together with the Moray Council, Finderne Development Trust are providing a range of supporting materials, including litter pickers, high-viz vests, gloves and clear and black bin bags to help separate rubbish from recyclables. Lisa is coordinating with volunteers and the Moray Council to have the rubbish and recyclables collected at designated pick-up points. 

Clean-up efforts have already begun and will continue until Tuesday, April 27^th in Finderne and Friday, April 30^th for Findhorn, or as long as needed to cover all “adopted” sites. If you would like to volunteer for RE-Fresh Finderne, contact Lisa Wolff at beehomecottage@gmail.com or 07981177625.  If you would like to join the RE-Fresh Findhorn volunteers, contact Nancy Hurst at 07912733716 or nancy@paralleltraining.co.uk.