Today, London Clean & Green partners, volunteers, and City staff gathered at the Tourism London Welcome Centre to launch the 29th annual London Clean & Green campaign.
Since 1996, London Clean & Green has promoted litter prevention and community-led clean-ups across the city. The campaign consists of 12 Days of Cleaning leading up to the annual 20-minute London Makeover and concludes with the Community-wide Clean-up and Earthfest on April 20.
“London Clean & Green is back this month bringing hundreds of committed volunteers together to support the environment, help prevent litter, and clean up our neighbourhoods,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “Whether its participating in one of the many community events planned across the city, or taking time to clean up around your home or business, there are many ways to get involved and help make this year’s campaign another success.”
If needed, residents and businesses can request bags and gloves to support their community clean-ups, and can request a curbside location for their bagged litter to be collected by the City on April 20.
Participants can also pinpoint and share their clean-up location online to find out where clean-ups are scheduled, invite people to their event, or avoid overlapping clean-ups.
“London Clean & Green is an opportunity for residents and businesses to come together, get out with a bag and a pair of gloves, and help clean up,” says Jay Stanford, Director, Climate Change, Environment and Waste Management. “For 29 years, Londoners have made our city cleaner and greener each spring. It would not be possible without all the volunteers, partners and sponsors who roll up their sleeves each year and make a difference in the community.”
Londoners are encouraged to help clean up anytime this month, and there are a few special dates to consider participating in.
12 Days of Cleaning
The kick-off of London Clean & Green is also the beginning of the 12 Days of Cleaning between April 9 and April 20. As residents tidy up their apartment, clean out their garage, or tackle their spring cleaning, remember to help prevent litter, sort it right, and make sure unwanted items are properly disposed of.
Information about the City’s EnviroDepots is available online.
Residents can also learn more about what goes where in London’s waste and recycling programs by using the Recycle Coach app.
20-minute London Makeover
Local businesses, institutions, schools, and individuals are encouraged to spend 20 minutes collecting litter and tidying up outside their workplace or home.
Participants across London will spend 20 minutes sweeping, tidying, and making a big difference together in their community.
The 20-minute London Makeover takes place Friday, April 19, 2024 with many doing their part starting at 2 p.m.
Community-wide Clean-up and EarthFest
The annual Community-wide Clean-up takes place Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and involves numerous community-led clean-ups across London.
To celebrate Earth Day, London’s annual EarthFest then takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to promote environmental action and local organizations. EarthFest will be held inside the London Public Library’s Central Branch and at Citi Plaza.
Participating in London Clean & Green is one of the many ways residents can engage with the City’s environmental programs and take action on climate change. Residents can learn more online about London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and different climate actions households can take.