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July 26, 2017
Everyone’s a picker
In the last edition, the brief mention of litter picking seemed to strike a chord with many people who responded with related snippets. While there’s undoubtedly a national problem with litter, it is also an issue that people feel passionately about and are prepared to take action on. From individuals incorporating litter picking into their daily walking routines to very significant scale community action. The largest of which seems to happen on Shetland. One in five of the population get involved in their annual clean up event. Can anyone top that?
Originally launched in 1988, Da Voar Redd Up quickly became the largest community based voluntary clear up throughout the UK, with over 20% of Shetland’s population regularly volunteering for the event. Last year 4,605 participants collected over 67 tonnes of bruck from roadside verges, beaches and coastline.
Sita Goudie, Environmental Improvement Project Officer with Shetland Amenity Trust, commented: “Now in its 30th year, Da Voar Redd Up has so far removed close to 1,800 tonnes of bruck from our environment. We look forward to welcoming back existing groups, as well as new volunteers, to this year’s event. It is these volunteers who make the Redd Up the success it is and show just how committed Shetland is to caring for the environment. What is achieved through Da Voar Redd Up is incredible, and we expect 2017 to be as successful as ever.”
As well as providing an opportunity for the community to improve their environment, taking part in the Redd Up can raise funds for local groups through sponsorship, and businesses and schools can earn points towards environmental schemes and awards. Young Scot card holders can also earn points through the Young Scot Reward Scheme.
Shetland Amenity Trust supplies gloves and bags for the Redd Up, and takes away all the bruck collected, free of charge. The bruck is then sorted by Augean North Sea Services in their base at Greanhead to remove all of the recyclable items before the rest is safely disposed of at the Shetland Islands Council Waste Management Facility. The Trust would like to thank Augean for providing their workforce and services free of charge.
The Trust would also like to thank other organisations who are supporting the 2017 Voar Redd Up, including Shetland Charitable Trust, World Animal Protection, BP Sullom Voe, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Shetland Islands Council.
For further information contact Shetland Amenity Trust on (01595) 694688; e-mail info@shetlandamenity.org or visit the webpage: www.shetlandamenity.org/da-voar-redd-up.