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.
