A recent study has uncovered that 27 million adults in the United Kingdom have engaged in littering over the past year. Furthermore, a significant number of individuals, totaling 15.1 million (28%), have admitted to discarding food items like fruit peels, sandwich crusts, and ice cream cones under the belief that these items will naturally decompose.
Conducted by YouGov on behalf of the environmental organization Keep Britain Tidy, the survey sheds light on the nation’s littering habits. Among the findings, over five million people, representing one in 10 individuals (10%), acknowledged leaving behind packaging after consuming food or beverages. Additionally, more than 3.7 million respondents (seven per cent) admitted to leaving litter at public transportation stops.
These revelations precede the upcoming Great British Spring Clean campaign hosted by Keep Britain Tidy, scheduled from March 13th to 29th. Partnering with the Daily Mirror for the second consecutive year, the environmental charity aims to mobilize millions of volunteers across the country. Over the past decade, these efforts have resulted in the removal of over 4.5 million bags of harmful waste from streets, parks, and beaches.
This year, the public is encouraged to participate in the country’s largest mass-action environmental initiative to safeguard the environment and wildlife. Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, emphasized the detrimental impact of litter on the environment and highlighted the significant financial burden faced by local authorities in addressing this issue.
In addition, the study revealed that more than 3.2 million adults (six per cent) cited the uncleanliness or odor of waste as a reason for littering, while 2.4 million individuals (five per cent) admitted to disposing of litter in vegetation. Furthermore, 3.2 million respondents (six per cent) confessed to discarding litter from vehicle windows.
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, expressed gratitude to supporters for their contributions to the Great British Spring Clean campaign and praised the dedication of Litter Heroes volunteers nationwide.
Whether individuals have a short amount of time or wish to lead large-scale clean-up efforts, every contribution makes a difference. Interested participants can commit to picking up litter individually or as a group by visiting keepbritaintidy.org for the Great British Spring Clean event, running from March 13th to 29th. By joining the Litter Heroes community, volunteers gain access to expert guidance, safety tips, and a supportive network of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a positive impact daily.
