Have you got 2 minutes? Of course, you have! That’s all it takes to make a real difference. ‘No More Plastic’ by Martin Dorey encourages us to step away from our screens, get outside, and spend just two minutes of our time picking up litter instead. The 2-minute beach clean-up highlights how every piece of litter removed counts. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you do 2 minutes or twenty. Whether it’s on the beach, in a park, or on your local street, every piece of rubbish you remove helps protect wildlife and reduce plastic pollution.
You’d be amazed at how much you can collect in just 120 seconds. Furthermore, the time doesn’t feel daunting. It’s a great excuse to get up from our towels and explore while doing good. As Dorey puts it: Have you got 2 minutes? Of course you have. Of course, you have. Set the timer on your phone to 2 minutes and pick up litter until the buzzer goes off. How much did you collect? Surprised?
The whole book is packed with simple tips highlighting how we can start making a difference immediately.
How to Do a 2-Minute Clean
- Head to your nearest beach, park, or public space.
- Set a timer for 2 minutes.
- Pick up as much litter as you can.
- Dispose of it responsibly.
- Share your haul online using #2MinuteBeachClean.
It’s a great way to stretch your legs, explore your surroundings, and feel good while doing good.
Aside from the 2 minute beach clean. Here’s a list of things you can do to help make a change:
- Do a plastic audit. Look around and see how much plastic prevails in your day-to-day life.
- Reduce or quit your fish intake. Discarded or dumped fishing nets are a large contributor to ocean plastic pollution.
- Give up items, such as plastic bottles, straws, crisps, cotton buds, plastic bags or wet wipes. Use sustainable alternatives where possible.
- Open your kitchen draw and take out a fork. Now go put that fork in your work bag. Use it.
- Use your purchasing power to buy products that come with less plastic packaging.
- Become familiar with the recycling processes of your local vicinity. Ask questions at the recycling plant and your local MP or leader.
- Replace all items with “not currently recyclable” items with alternative options.
- Invest in a quality safety razor. Say bye-bye to disposables.
- Visit your nearest package free store.
- Research various plastic-free beauty products and try them.
- Have a party without dangerous waste — no more balloons and glitter.
- Gift reusables to yourself and those around you, depending on your favourite things to drink or munch on.
Would you set aside time for a two-minute beach clean-up? Let me know in the comments below.
Ready to act? Sign up for our 30-Day Plastic Free Challenge and get a free calendar packed with simple steps to reduce plastic waste and live more sustainably. Make a difference, one day at a time!
We hope you’ve found this blog helpful! As always, you can support Aim Plastic Free by buying a cup of tea or sharing the site with a friend. Your support means the world to us!
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