On World Environment Day the Midcounties Co-operative will be taking action against littering with a number of community clean-ups.
The society is asking people living across its core trading areas to get involved in community clean-ups and making eco-friendly pledges.
Midcounties is co-ordinating 20 community clean-ups across Oxfordshire, the West Midlands, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, and has received the endorsement of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy for the project. Around 460 people have already committed, including colleagues, members, schools and charities.
Earlier this year the society launched the 1Change initiative, which highlights the small everyday changes shoppers can make including using a bag-for-life or reusable cups for hot drinks, which can help to reduce consumption of single-use plastics.
CSR manager Mike Pickering said: “We believe that community-focused action can have a big impact. Our clean-up on 5 June aims to empower people to take more care over their communities and raise awareness about littering and plastic pollution.
“We want to inspire people to make a pledge to help tackle single use plastics, whether that be avoiding single-use plastic where possible or re-using waste materials to create something useful. We’d encourage anyone and everyone to get involved and work together to make a positive impact to our environment.”
Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, added: “Following the monumental success of this year’s Great British Spring Clean, it is inspiring to see community-focused businesses like Midcounties continue the clean-up effort beyond the campaign.
“Here at Keep Britain Tidy we would encourage all high street retailers to get out and clean-up all year round. We know that litter breeds litter so the cleaner we keep our streets, the cleaner they will stay.”
Midcounties colleagues have already committed more than 3,500 volunteering hours in 2019.
Those interested in taking part in the clean-ups can sign up on Midcounties’ website. The society is also encouraging members and customers to sign up to the 1Change campaign.
