Registration now open for the Big Beach Clean 2024 in Mayo and beyond
The Big Beach Clean 2024 is back, now supported by Kia Ireland, and Clean Coasts are asking people in Mayo and throughout Ireland to register now to join the campaign.
From September 20 to 22, volunteers across the country will gather to clean our beautiful beaches and contribute to a global effort to combat marine litter.
In 2023, over 400 groups registered to host a clean-up, with 7,700 Clean Coasts volunteers removing a staggering 46 tonnes of litter all across the country.
After signing up, participants will receive everything they need to conduct a successful beach clean and carry out a marine litter survey by filling in the marine litter data cards or using the Clean Swell app.
As part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, individual and group efforts in Ireland will have far-reaching effects, contributing to global data and influencing environmental policies worldwide.
By participating in the Big Beach Clean and submitting the information on the types and quantities of litter you collect, participants will help make Ireland’s voice heard on a global scale. The data collected by our volunteers in previous years have informed national campaigns such as Bin the Butt and Break Up With Plastic.
On a global level, this data, when shared with Ocean Conservancy, has driven significant policy changes worldwide, including banning of certain plastic items like bags and straws or the implementation of laws to prohibit smoking on beaches.
Bronagh Moore, An Taisce's Clean Coasts manager, commented: “We are delighted to announce that registrations for the Big Beach Clean 2024 are now open. Every piece of litter removed and reported not only contributes to cleaner beaches, but can lead to impactful campaigns and healthier oceans.
“Your participation in the Big Beach Clean 2024 helps amplify Ireland's voice in the global effort to protect our oceans. It’s a powerful reminder of how local actions can lead to significant global impacts. Join us in making a difference.”
Cathal Kealey, head of marketing and PR at Kia Ireland, said: “As a brand we are on a journey towards carbon neutrality, and part of that strategy looks at the use of recycled materials in our vehicle production, particularly the use of recycled ocean waste. By 2030, 20% of our vehicle plastics will come from recycled materials.
“Kia Ireland are delighted to be the official sponsor of the Big Beach Clean 2024. Our support will ensure that clean-up kits are distributed to all volunteers that sign up to registered clean-ups across the country. In line with our global clean-up initiatives that are designed to combat ocean pollution, we would urge as many people as possible to register for their local beach clean this September.”
For more information and to register, visit www.cleancoasts.org.