Clean Cornwall: The Kernow Way

Follow the Kernow Way

Clean Cornwall’s mission is to reduce litter and pollution – the Kernow way.

If litter makes you angry, you’re in the company of 94% of Cornwall’s residents. Litter has been deemed anti-social for decades, and yet it still costs taxpayers £1 billion a year to clear up rubbish. In Cornwall alone, the council employs 123 people and 60 vehicles in an average week to clean streets, car parks and beaches.

In household waste terms, Cornwall residents produce 166,000 tonnes of rubbish annually - enough bin bags to line the A30 from Hayle to Bodmin every day. Worse, 25% of the contents could have been recycled (Cornwall’s recycling rate is currently a woeful 34%).

Clean Cornwall is a partnership between local authorities and businesses, volunteer and community groups, all working together for a cleaner Cornwall that everyone can enjoy. Together they discuss environmental issues such as litter, and they are asking us all to consider how we can all minimise our impact on our surroundings.

Clean Cornwall provided equipment for a litter picking group for the Bray Rise estate near Redruth. “Our eager young litter pickers range in ages from 18 months to 13 years,” said the organiser. “Before we began our mission to keep our streets clean, the gardens and roads were never litter-free. Thanks to Clean Cornwall, the children kept our streets immaculate throughout the summer holidays. They take a pride in their road and have formed friendships, with older ones guiding the little ones. They appreciate their environment and know the impact they are having on it. Kids don’t get bored here anymore, they get picking!”

On the website, you can find local organisations, communities and groups who arrange and take part in litter picks that help to keep their neighbourhoods and our county clean, as well as a list of forthcoming litter picks - close to 1,000 full bin bags of rubbish have been collected by over 2,600 volunteers since January 2021.

You can also find educational resources and information about specific campaigns, including balloon litter, single-use plastics and wildlife awareness. This year has seen a particular push to tackle litter left by the increasing numbers of people enjoying Cornwall’s outdoor spaces at a time when foreign travel is restricted.

The Kernow Way encourages everyone to consider their impact when out and about, taking responsibility as individuals and collectively, and understanding that everything we do has an impact. Be a custodian for Cornwall, and share the message of the Kernow Way. l

DO IT THE KERNOW WAY

The Kernow Way means: • Being responsible for ALL of our rubbish • Remembering your reusable containers and coffee cups • Always picking up after our furry friends • Choosing to walk or cycle where you can, to save the planet • Using campsites instead of wild camping • Respecting wildlife, giving them space to breed, feed, recover and thrive • Saying no to cheap snappable bodyboards - buy good quality, wooden even, or rent • Go slow - do it ‘dreckly’! Take your time and take it in.

Do it the Kernow Way, and remember to tell your friends about it by using the hashtag #thekernowway on social media. Meur ras (Thank you)!

Clean Cornwall is funded and hosted by Cornwall Rural Community Charity, 2 Princes Street, Truro TR1 2ES. www.cleancornwall.org