#EUBeachCleanUp 2020

Our ocean starts with you!

We have all seen images or read the worrying reports: plastic rubbish is piling up in our oceans and littering our beaches. Animals get caught in ghost nets, and micro plastics enter our food chain. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whilst the key to fighting marine litter is to stop it at the source - using less, recycling more - cleaning matters as well. Together, we can turn a drop in the ocean into a wave of change.

Every year in September, the EU organises an ocean-activism and awareness-raising campaign - #EUBeachCleanup - featuring events across the world. In 2019, over 40,000 volunteers were mobilised in nearly 80 countries. Across social media, the campaign has had huge impact, reaching millions with its positive message of change for sustainability. Partnering with the United Nations and the bluest of friends, the Smurfs, the EU strongly believes that we can all make a real difference for our blue planet, taking responsible action as individuals and collectively.

For the 2020 edition, we are calling for more localised engagement, as group actions may pose risks to public health. Under the headline “our ocean starts with you”, we invite you to take up our challenge: reduce your water consumption, shop for less packaging, sort your rubbish… You literally can “clean the beach from home”! Follow the hashtag #EUBeachCleanUp or our social media accounts and stay tuned for the challenges!

Where possible, local #EUBeachCleanup events will be organised in September, applying all necessary safety precautions. You can check our calendar, to see what is happening near you. Or why not organising your own event? Keep us eu-beach-cleanec [dot] europa [dot] eu (posted), and have your event added to the official campaign calendar.

#EUBeachCleanup is part of the #EUGreenDeal.

Partners

European Union

The EU is spearheading global efforts to reduce and avoid plastic pollution, including marine litter. Next to ambitious reuse and recycling targets, EU policy will help reduce single use plastics and microplastics as well as waste from lost fishing gear. The EU also has an envelope of € 350 million earmarked for R&D in this area. Other measures include fishing for litter campaigns, compensating fishermen for cleaning up the ocean.

Through its worldwide network of EU delegations (“embassies”) as well as the representations in EU member states, the EU now reaches out to citizens worldwide, creating awareness about the issue and encouraging people to take care of our blue planet.

United Nations

In 2015, 193 world leaders adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 14 ‘life below water’. By 2025, all UN member states pledge to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.  A global network of 59 United Nations Information Centres are teaming up with the EU to reach out to youth, local partners and all citizens so that everybody can play its part in respecting the environment and cherishing our oceans.

Smurfs

Three apples high, The Smurfs began life in 1958 as comic book characters created by Pierre Culliford, better known under his pseudonym, Peyo.  

For more than 60 years, the Smurfs have communicated universal values such as solidarity, courage, tolerance, work, respect for nature and the environment. These values transcend age, gender and cultures. It is thus quite natural that the Smurfs are involved in the cleaning of oceans and beaches.