MCS Beachwatch Big Weekend is the biggest volunteer beach clean up in the UK. Over the weekend of the 19th and 20th of September 2009, 397 beaches were cleaned and 4,665 people went to their local beach to make a big difference.
Click "Results" on the graphic above to see the facts and figures at your fingertips. You can also sign our litter petition and send a card to your friends.
What sort of rubbish is on our beaches?
Well, it’s mostly PLASTIC, PLASTIC and more PLASTIC. The most common items of litter found were small plastic pieces and 64% of all the rubbish was made of plastic. Worryingly, plastic litter has increased by an enormous 121% since Beachwatch started in 1994.
The problem with plastic is that it never really goes away. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces but never disappears. In some parts of the ocean there are more plastic fragments in seawater than there are plankton.
Some of the weirdest plastic litter we found in Beachwatch 2009 included a laboratory incubator, a joke severed finger, half a boomerang and a set of joke vampire's teeth!
What can YOU do about all this litter?
Our beaches and seas are being overwhelmed with rubbish and YOU can help.
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MCS has asked the Government to take the lead and draw up action plans to help reduce marine litter to make our beaches safer, cleaner places for people and wildlife. We need your help NOW to keep the pressure on our leaders and help turn the tide on the litter. Sign our marine litter petition and support the campaign for clean seas and beaches.
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Pass on the message! Most people don’t realise the amount of rubbish that is piling up on our beaches and the harm it’s doing. You can help today by sending our free e-postcards to your friends.
- Join us for Beachwatch Big Weekend 2010 over the 18th and 19th September. Register now to make a difference to your favourite beach.
Read more about what litter we found in Beachwatch Big Weekend 2009 by downloading the Summary Report.
Read other reports and downloads.
