Every April, people and organisations across the world stop to consider their actions   and get involved in activities to tackle the world's most urgent climate issues.

Earth Day is an international celebration which aims to spark action to reduce the damage being done to the planet. And to mark this year’s event, staff volunteers from Research and Innovation Services headed off to the Durham coast for a big beach clean.

Twenty colleagues blitzed the beach at Crimdon to help keep the area clean and tidy. There was plenty to keep them busy and in all, they collected 32 bags of rubbish, at least 100 dog poo bags piled up around the life buoys, used nappies, disposable BBQs, bottles, cans, picnic food packaging, clothing and so much more. 

Katie Binks, Senior Volunteering and Community Outreach Manager who organised the clean-up, said: 

It’s always good to see willing colleagues get involved to help improve our local communities, especially so when we can do something for the environment as part of Earth Day.

“The team collected so much rubbish from the beach and I know that everyone was pleased with their day’s work.

“Staff and students from across Durham can take part in so many brilliant volunteering activities, so if you or your team would like to get out and do something practical to help the environment, or anything else to make a positive impact in your community, we have lots of volunteering opportunities that you can get involved in.”

You can find out more about volunteer opportunities on our Staff Volunteering and Outreach webpage, the Staff Volunteering opportunities site, or our Student Volunteering site.

Continuing to grow

The Earth Day movement has been growing since 1970 and this year focused on the theme Invest In Our Planet, and how we can work together to create a green and prosperous future.

Naomi Green, Sustainability Co-ordinator in Estates and Facilities, said: “Following the theme of this year’s Earth Day, our Greenspace campaign is continuing to urge staff and students to take action – big or small – to help our world.

“Whether that’s participating in volunteering in the community, switching off lights and devices, swapping car journeys for public transport or active travel, or supporting one of the amazing student-led sustainability projects - such as the Ugly Fruit Group or new DUSVO project Environment Club - there’s something that everyone can do.”

“If you don’t have a great deal of time to spare, then just spend a few minutes watching the Earth Day video below, or checking out our Earth Day Sharepoint page. Even small changes can make a big difference.”

You can watch the Earth Day 2022 video or find out more on the Earth Day website.

What can I do?

There are loads of other things you can do to help your local or global environment. Have a look below for some quick suggestions:

• Get informed: log onto the Earth Day Sharepoint site where you can find actions to help the environment.
• Tackle the energy crisis: as the energy crisis continues to be exacerbated by world events, find out what you can do to reduce your energy use at home. We've also created a guide for those of you who may be struggling to make sense of the crisis, or how it could affect you as a student. Read the energy crisis guide for students.
• Recycle your soft plastics: if you’re frustrated that some of your plastic waste isn’t collected by your council for recycling, you can now recycle your soft plastics at Tesco. Any large Tesco store will accept plastics including bread bags, fruit and veg packaging, crisp packets, salad bags, clingfilm, and sweet and biscuit wrappers.
• Help the hedgehogs: although Hedgehog Awareness Week has snuffled off into the undergrowth, the Durham University Hedgehog Friendly University Campaign has a range of information to help you help our spiky friends. Check out Facebook @hogfriendly.dur or Instagram @hogfriendly_dur.
• Get involved: Sign up to the My Greenspace platform to start earning points for sustainable actions. Log onto My Greenspace to get started.

For more information or guidance about all things environment, visit the Greenspace Sharepoint site or contact greenspace.students@durham.ac.uk