The 2019/20 #HostEnvironmentalPledge – a campaign aimed at reducing our energy consumption, is now in full swing. Therefore, we wanted to take a closer look at the charities we’re working with and supporting this year.
We’ve already learnt about the fantastic work that World Land Trust do, and now it’s time to also find out more about Planet Patrol.
They are an international movement sitting at the intersection of wellbeing and environmentalism.
The mission: clean up the planet through community action and citizen science to drive industrial and political change that serves to protect the Earth and wildlife from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
Planet Patrol started as a mission to fight plastic pollution on inland waterways from paddle boards.
In 2016 founder, Lizzie Carr, became the first person to paddle board the length of England’s waterways, solo and unsupported. Along the 400 mile journey, she catalogued more than 3,000 photos of waste found. From that moment, Planet Patrol was born.
The movement has grown rapidly and organically throughout the world. They now operate across the UK, Europe and USA through a team of recognised partners delivering clean ups and global army of volunteers.
Planet Patrol runs free clean ups with a difference – litter picking whilst trying a new activity and collecting valuable data on rubbish. All data collected is analysed by partner scientists to inform and develop solutions to the pollution problem.
They’re cleaning up the planet, but also engaging more people with activities to improve health and wellbeing. It’s a win for the environment and for people.
In two years, Planet Patrol have operated over 200 clean ups, reaching thousands of people and removing over 300 tonnes of rubbish from the natural world.
They couldn’t find a reliable, centralised and statistically robust tool to gather insight about pollution globally so, they built their own – the Planet Patrol app.
Litter picking must be combined with data collection to create lasting, evidence-based change. Therefore, everything collected on Planet Patrol clean ups, and by the global community, is documented and categorised in the Planet Patrol app. As a result, there are now more than 265,000 pieces of rubbish logged across over 78 countries.
Planet Patrol is creating a global database of real-time info about pollution. You don’t just log plastic – cans, glass, metals – if you see it, they want to know about it.
Planet Patrol’s partner scientists at the University of Nottingham and Glasgow analyse the collective research to better understand the problem so they can develop solutions about smarter packaging, policy changes and responsible behaviours.
Furthermore, the app is completely free and can be used by anyone, at anytime, anywhere in the world! You can download the app in the App Store and Play Store.
Clean ups – Planet Patrol runs clean ups with a difference. At every clean up you collect valuable data on rubbish, in addition to trying new activities. For example, you can try paddle boarding, parkour, canoeing or yoga – there is something for everyone!
Research – Through the Planet Patrol app and Rubbish Map, they are building evidence across the world. Partner scientists analyse everything you collect to find solutions to the problem.
Universities and schools – education is the key to a sustainable future. Planet Patrol works with young people and uni students to be change makers and do something they believe in. The Planet Patrol School Programme will be launching soon but the Uni Programme is launching now!
Working with businesses – Planet Patrol provides businesses with a free, simple and cost-effective checklist to get rid of single use plastics from their operations.
So, now you know about the projects Planet Patrol are running, why not get involved and help? Visit the website planetpatrol.co to find out more.
In addition, if you’re a student living with us, make sure you get involved with the #HostEnvironmentalPledge. Make your pledge, support a charity and reduce your daily energy usage. Speak with your on-site team to learn more about the campaign.
Finally, are you passionate about the environment? Do you want to be a green champion and help us on our quest to reduce energy? Email us at info@host-students.com – we’d love to hear from you!
To become more ‘environmentally friendly’, Host is launching the #HostEnvironmentalPledge campaign to encourage responsible behaviour and drive sustainability across our sites throughout the UK and Ireland.
It’s a simple campaign! For every percent we reduce our overall utilities (electric, water and gas) consumption by we donate to one of our nominated charities.
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