Litter is more than just an eyesore—it’s a danger to animals, the environment, and our communities. Each year, the RSPCA rescues many animals that have been injured or trapped by discarded rubbish. From birds caught in plastic rings to hedgehogs stuck in tin cans, the impact of litter on wildlife is devastating and that is why the RSPCA along with the Outdoor Guide gets involved in Keep Britain Tidys Great British Spring Clean each year and inspires our branches, supporters, volunteers and colleagues to join in with us.
This year already, over 300 RSPCA representatives have pledged to pick over 2,000 bags of litter in their local area and we are still counting – we hope you can join us and the Outdoor Guide in pledging too!
We are proud to have worked with Keep Britain Tidy on the Great British Spring Clean for the past ten years but we like many can sometimes become disheartened and feel like we are fighting an uphill battle to safeguard animals and the environment.
On a litter pick or spring clean you might spend time clearing an area, only to see more litter appear the next day. Others may walk past without helping or even question why you bother. But the truth is, every piece of litter you pick up makes a difference to where you live and for every kind of animal — by standing up, rolling up your sleeves and brandishing your litter pickers your actions are inspiring others to do the same.
“But What Can I Do? I’m Just One Person,” Said 7 Billion People
It’s easy to feel like one person’s efforts won’t change anything. But if everyone thought that way, nothing would ever improve. The reality is, that small actions add up—every positive change in history started with one person doing something that others thought was insignificant.
When you pick up litter in your area, you are leading by example. Others might not notice at first, but over time, people start to pay attention. They see the difference a cleaner space makes. They start to think twice before dropping litter themselves. Some may even join in!
This is how change happens—one person at a time.
Litter can be fatal to animals:
- Birds can become entangled in plastic and fishing lines.
- Hedgehogs can get stuck in discarded cups, tins, and yoghurt pots.
- Foxes, badgers, and deer can suffer serious injuries from sharp metal and glass.
- Marine life mistakes plastic for food, leading to fatal consequences.
By taking part in a clean-up, you’re not just tidying the streets or parks—you’re saving lives.
The Benefits of Volunteering Outdoors
Litter picking isn’t just good for animals and the environment—it’s good for you too. Spending time outside has been shown to improve both physical and mental well-being.
- Better physical health – Walking, stretching, and bending all keep you active.
- Improved mental well-being – Being in nature reduces stress and boosts mood.
- A sense of purpose – Seeing the difference you’ve made is incredibly rewarding.
- Community connection – You may even inspire others to get involved.
Turning Doubters into Believers
Not everyone will understand why you’re picking up litter—at first. Some may dismiss it or walk past without a second thought. But change takes time.
- The child who watches you may grow up believing that looking after the planet is normal.
- The dog walker who sees you clearing rubbish may start bringing a bag to pick up litter too.
- The commuter who watches you tidy the pavement might hesitate before dropping their next wrapper.
Every action, no matter how small, has an impact.
So our message to all the existing and potential Litter Heros out there is we know it can sometimes be hard but Keep Going— Keep Tendering to and Loving Where you Live Because Every Action Matters!
Remember You are making a real difference—for wildlife, for nature, and for future generations.
If you’d like to get involved, consider joining the Great British Spring Clean or organising your own local litter pick. Together, we can create a cleaner, safer world for animals and people alike.
Author: Carrie Stones, RSPCA