Communities invited to sign up for National Spring Clean 2023

Communities and groups in Westmeath have been encouraged to register for the National Spring Clean 2023, Ireland's largest anti-litter initiative.

In 2022, over 50 communities and groups from across Westmeath registered for the An Taisce organised event and it is hoped that an even bigger number will do so this year.

Over the past 24 years, the National Spring Clean has been focused on the message of the collective responsibility we share in tackling and preventing our national litter problem. By participating in organised clean-ups, groups and individuals of all ages come together to make a meaningful and positive contribution to their communities – to date this has resulted in the collection of almost 45,000 tonnes of litter across Ireland!

This year, the National Spring Clean is also raising awareness about how the adoption of a circular economy model, will reduce our litter, and climate impact.

The circular economy is a waste prevention approach to keep resources in use for as long as possible, enabling us to extract the maximum value from them before recovery and regeneration. This is based on three principles: eliminating waste and pollution, keeping materials and products in use (through re-use and recycling), and protecting nature. This means that as we transition to a more circular economy, we’ll see less waste, less litter, and lower emissions, and thus, cleaner planet.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “An Taisce’s National Spring Clean continues to showcase the dedication of volunteers all over the country. The commitment of volunteers in continuing to organise local clean-ups each year is a testament to the spirit in Irish communities and I would urge as many people as possible to get involved in the campaign. My Department will continue to support the campaign and An Taisce, whose role in organising this successful campaign each year, deserves to be acknowledged. I look forward to the many events that will be held all over the country in the coming months.”

Corporate affairs manager for sponsor Mars Wrigley Ireland Nicola Forde added:

“National Spring Clean is about removing waste and litter to protect our biodiversity and create cleaner and healthier communities. We welcome initiatives of the Circular Economy Act such as the ban on single use plastics, the proposed ‘latte levy’ and the deposit return scheme which will help us to eliminate this waste at the first stage”

To register to be part of Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign, people can visit www.nationalspringclean.org.