In the height of the summer many of us are flocking outside to enjoy the sunshine and the British countryside. Whilst doing this it is important to take care of our environment so that it can be appreciated for years to come. Littering is becoming more and more of a problem, it is unsightly, damaging to the environment and the RSPCA estimates that it accounts for the deaths of thousands of animals every year, which is devastating to our ecosystem.


Rivers

According to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology there are almost 1500 rivers across the UK, comprising over 200,000km of watercourses. Rivers are particularly important to keep clean and free from litter for a variety of reasons:


  • They are a drinking source for much of the UK - according to Water UK reservoirs, lakes and rivers account for approximately 68% of the UK's drinking water supply. 


  • They provide a natural habitat for a wide range of animals and plant species that helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem.


  • Recreational activities for the community, such as walk and run trails running alongside rivers, will be clean and safe to use.


What can we do to help

Next time you are out enjoying the a stroll alongside a river or picnicking by the river bank, ensure you take any rubbish away with you and don't add to the problem. You can even go a step further by taking a litter picking device with you to help clear up anything left behind by others and can take great pride in helping to clear up your community.


For river litter picking in particular we would recommend the Litter Picking Pro Gel, which has a comfort grip handle and is very durable or why not try the Tidy Rivers Kit, which includes the Litter Picker Pro 50", safety gloves, handihoop bag opener, gloves and a hi vis vest. The litter grabber comes in various longer lengths making it perfect for collecting litter off river banks. So why not take the family out for a fun day by the river bank, whilst also teaching them the importance of the environmental and social responsibility.


Alternatively, there are many initiatives that have been set up to help educate and increase research regarding litter and the environment, which you could join. For example, sign up as a river citizen scientist along England's largest river, the River Thames, with Thames 21 Events. Collecting, categorising and determining the quantity of the various litter types found, will show which type is the biggest problem, whilst simultaneously clearing up an area and making it much nicer for everyone to enjoy.


It is well documented that as a whole we are damaging and polluting our environment. Littering, rubbish and Industrial waste are a large part of this. To combat this all of us can do more to help and can become part of the pollution solution. So why not grab a litter picker today, start making a difference and help to keep our rivers clean.