World Cleanup Day

World Cleanup Day is a global social action program aimed at combating the global solid waste problem, including the problem of marine debris. The next global World Cleanup Day is September 15, 2018, beginning at 10 a.m., and spanning the world's time zones until concluding near the international date line in Hawaii. It is typically held over the course of a 24-hour period in September, on an annual basis. There are numerous organizations that facilitate and host World Cleanup Day events globally. Like Earth Day, World Cleanup Day is non-partisan, apolitical, and is not affiliated with any national or global political party or discrete ideology.

History

Global cleanup efforts have existed in many forms throughout human history, especially after widespread catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, and widespread tsunamis.^[1] In modern history, these efforts have been undertaken by international relief organizations such as the Red Cross, Oxfam, and other relief organizations but typically in post-conflict zones. They have included efforts to remove land mines, beach cleanup, and other municipal and non-governmental actions.

Organizers

One of the largest organizers of global cleanup efforts is Let's Do It! World. Founded in Estonia, the organization successfully mobilized more than 50,000 volunteers for a single-day, country-wide cleanup effort that resulted in the elimination of 10,000 tons of illegal waste. The Estonian action, called Let's Do It 2008 emerged as a global model, spreading globally thereafter. Today, the movement has grown into a network of 113 countries. All together, more than 14.5 million participants have been engaged in movement's activities.

Participants

Participants in World Cleanup Days are typically volunteers, with coordination from non-governmental organizations who assist in awareness raising, logistics, and fundraising.

List of World Cleanup Days

• Let's Do It 2008
• World Cleanup Day 2018 (September 15, 2018) with the goal of engaging 5% of the world's population in a one-day cleanup.^[2][3]

See also

• The Ocean Cleanup
• Greenpeace
• CleanApp
• 5 Gyres, 5 Gyres is an organization aimed at reducing plastics pollution.

References