To mark World Environment Day and National Volunteering Week, colleagues from Kier, a leading construction and infrastructure services company, have partnered with South Tyneside Council to take part in a beach clean-up in South Shields.
Armed with gloves, bags, and determination, volunteers worked diligently to clean up beaches, removing plastic waste, conducting litter surveys, and working hard to restore the natural beauty of precious coastal ecosystems.
Over the course of the day, teams collected over 36 kilos of rubbish.
This is one of a series of four beach clean-ups organised by Kier across the country between 5-13 June.
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, aims to raise global awareness about environmental issues and encourage actions to protect and preserve our planet. This year's theme, "Beating Plastic Pollution," aligns with Kier's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations and engaging its people in meaningful activities that promote a better future.
Chris Lilley, health safety wellbeing and sustainability expressed his pride in the employees' initiative, saying: " Our commitment to the environment goes beyond our projects and our teams found the day eye-opening. By combining volunteering with beach clean-ups this week we have made a positive impact on our environment Improving the beach for the enjoyment of local people and our people have benefitted personally by giving back too.
Volunteering allows us to give back to the communities we serve and make a tangible difference.”
"We’d like to thank Kier employees who’ve given up their time to take part in this clean-up.
We are extremely proud of our beautiful beaches and delighted that Sandhaven has once again retained the Seaside Award.
Our cleaning teams work hard to keep our beaches looking pristine all year round, but residents and visitors can also do their to keep our stunning seafront clean and tidy by disposing of their litter responsibly. We have 25 recycling bins as well as our new ‘Feed the fish’ sculpture for single-use plastics.
Our beautiful coastline is a crucial part of our economy and by collectively keeping our beaches clean and protecting our oceans and eco systems, we can ensure people return again and again."
Cllr Audrey Huntley Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy