Large-scale garbage collection on the Rhine: Thousands of helpers for environmental protection!

Large-scale garbage collection on the Rhine: Thousands of helpers for environmental protection!

The banks of the Rhine will be the scene of an impressive commitment to the environment on September 13th, when the Düsseldorf environmental initiative “RhineCleanUp” invites you to a large waste collection campaign. When the plans were presented in the Düsseldorf town hall, the anticipation was palpable, because for the first time the garbage collected at the Oberkasseler Bridge will be separated using a special container. The goal: to raise awareness of recycling and waste separation. This initiative is not only receiving attention in Düsseldorf, but is part of a nationwide call. Similar actions will also take place in cities such as Duisburg, Essen and Hattingen. WDR reports that a record 40 to 50 groups will take part in Düsseldorf.

What is particularly pleasing is the fact that more than 30 groups and several thousand helpers are committed to the cause of environmental protection. Last year there were around 7,000 volunteers who collected around 25 tonnes of rubbish on the banks of the Rhine between Wittlaer and Urdenbach. This shows how high the commitment of the people of Düsseldorf and the region is. The registration deadline for groups is September 3rd to receive free collection materials such as garbage bags and grabbers. A central material distribution point will be set up on the Oberkassel Rheinwiese, where spontaneous participants can also find what they are looking for, explains RP Online.

Political demands and environmental challenges

However, the ambition of “RhineCleanUp” goes beyond simply collecting garbage. After the failed UN plastic waste agreement, the initiative formulated clear political demands. It calls on the industry to develop take-back systems for plastics and find solutions to extend the life of plastics. Founding member Joachim Umbach emphasizes that the initiative is not against plastics, but rather calls for clear rules for their production and disposal. WDR highlights that new record reports for plastic production are expected at the K plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf.

In Europe, an estimated 19 to 23 million tons of plastic are washed into soils, rivers and oceans every year. Recycling is the most common method of disposal, but the recycling rate for plastic packaging is only 40.7 percent. This shows how urgent the issue is and how important initiatives like “RhineCleanUp” are in order to promote a rethink and sustainable solutions in society European Parliament.

An alliance for the environment

The day of action is supported not only by the organizers, but also by supporters such as the Deutsche Postcode Lotterie and Naturstrom, which provides garbage bags made from recycled plastic. So on September 13th the time has come: Germany's rivers and banks will flourish through our shared commitment to a clean environment. Be participatory and join in! There is something in the air in Düsseldorf - and that is the desire to act together for our environment.