Join Clean Coasts’ Big Beach Clean 2025 and take action against marine litter
- Li Tan
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
From 19 to 21 September 2025, thousands of volunteers across Ireland will unite for the Big Beach Clean, a flagship event by Clean Coasts that tackles one of today’s most pressing environmental threats – marine litter. The initiative is not merely a clean-up but a contribution to global goals on sustainability, directly addressing SDG 14 – Life Below Water and aligning with citizen science projects that influence environmental policy worldwide.
The need for action is urgent. According to the United Nations, over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year, threatening marine biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems, and introducing microplastics into the food chain. By joining the Big Beach Clean, participants contribute to data collection that informs campaigns and legislation both in Ireland and internationally.
Citizen science with a global impact
The Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, coordinated by Ocean Conservancy. Volunteers receive a free clean-up kit and are encouraged to log their findings using Clean Coasts’ Marine Litter Data Cards or the Clean Swell App. This information helps identify the most common pollutants, from cigarette butts to single-use plastics, and has already influenced measures such as plastic bag bans and smoking restrictions on beaches.
In 2024, over 15,000 participants removed 95 tonnes of litter – a record-breaking effort that underlines the power of community mobilisation. The collected data fed into national campaigns like Bin the Butt and Break Up With Plastic, reinforcing the link between local engagement and systemic change.
Partnerships driving sustainability
The event’s official sponsor, Kia Ireland, has pledged that by 2030, 20% of its vehicle plastics will come from recycled materials, including ocean waste. Their involvement ensures that volunteers nationwide receive the necessary resources, while highlighting the connection between corporate responsibility and sustainable innovation.
Such partnerships echo the broader objectives of SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, demonstrating how cross-sector collaboration can reduce environmental impact.
From local action to global change
Every bag of litter collected and recorded is a small victory in a global struggle. By participating, volunteers strengthen Ireland’s voice in the fight against marine pollution and help shape policies that protect our oceans for generations to come.
Clean Coasts Manager Bronagh Moore reminds us that “Small actions, when multiplied by many, can have a huge impact.” This sentiment mirrors the philosophy underpinning the Global Society, where shared responsibility and active citizenship drive tangible outcomes for environmental sustainability.
Registration for the Big Beach Clean 2025 is now open. To sign up for your free clean-up kit and join this nationwide effort, visit Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean. For more on global marine conservation initiatives, explore Ocean Conservancy and the United Nations SDG 14 – Life Below Water.
