Celebrate Earth Day

Sunday 22 April 2018 is Earth Day: an international day dedicated to activating the environmental movement worldwide.

In West Sussex we’re incredibly lucky to have a rich natural landscape with sweeping coastlines and picturesque rural countryside. So that we can enjoy this diverse and beautiful region for years to come, we’re asking our community and visitors to help us care for the local environment.

 

 

To mark this year’s Earth Day, we are supporting the international campaign to end plastic pollution. In the UK, nearly 5 million tonnesof plastic waste are generated every year, and there are believed to be 46,000 pieces of plastic in every square mile of the world’s oceans. Plastic waste can enter the food chain, and have a devastating impact on animals as well as the wider ecosystem.

So what can we do?

Here are just a few simple ways that you can reduce plastic waste and help protect the region you love.

Reusable cups and bottles

If you love a takeaway coffee or regularly buy bottles of water to keep hydrated, invest in a reusable cup or bottle that you can refill instead of getting a new plastic one every time. Many coffee shops now offer customers a discount for using their own cup so you can save money as well as helping the environment.

Packed lunches

Instead of taking your lunch to work in cling film or plastic sandwich bags, use a lunchbox or reusable food box. You can also use glass jars and food boxes to store leftovers instead of reaching for the plastic wraps.

Chewing gum

Not many people realise but chewing gum contains plastic which is partly why it takes so long to break down. We all know what a horrible impact discarded gum can have on pavements and pathways but even when disposed of properly it is still impossible to recycle. Swap to mints for a more environmentally-friendly alternative.

Recycled products

Wherever possible, buy products made from recycled materials and those that can be recycled once you’ve finished with them.  This applies to your products packaging too – even better buy products that have minimal or no packaging where this is an option.

 

 

Events and activities

If you want to get more involved and celebrate Earth Day in West Sussex, make the most of our environment-based events over the coming months.

Worthing Mums Beach Clean

Help tackle plastic pollution directly by joining Worthing Mums for an Earth Day beach clean on Sunday 22 April from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Spring Live

Celebrate all aspects of the great outdoors with a range of new experiences at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Under 16s go free.

Arlington Bluebell Walk

Learn about the variety of flora and fauna on these beautiful walking trails over three working farms. The walks are open daily from Saturday 7 April to Sunday 13 May, 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Chichester Cathedral Peregrine Project

Since 2001, a pair of Peregrine Falcons have been nesting and raising their chicks in the south-east turret of Chichester Cathedral. From Tuesday 24 April to Wednesday 27 June you can watch these amazing birds in the cathedral grounds and keep track of their activities online on the live webcam.