Now officially recognised as an International Day by the United Nations, World Cleanup Day is due to arrive on September 20th, offering millions of people around the world the opportunity to band together, clean up their local communities and raise awareness about waste management. As nature analytics specialists Nature Metrics posits, however, it's important for businesses and CEOs around the world to lead by example and pave the way for real change.

Why World Cleanup Day Matters

World Cleanup Day is more than a day of picking up rubbish and putting it in the right bin. It should serve to spark a worldwide movement toward better waste management overall and greater consciousness of our environmental responsibility. Let’s Do It World (LDIW), the organisation behind the initiative, has been at the forefront of mobilising communities and driving lasting change; Last year, they amassed a total of 19.1 million volunteers from 198 countries, collecting an astounding 218,704 tonnes of waste​. This kind of collective action highlights the urgent need to address the growing waste crisis that affects every corner of the globe.

The numbers are staggering: each year, the world generates over 2 billion tons of waste, much of which ends up polluting our oceans, rivers, and landscapes. If we don’t change our ways, global waste production could surge by 70% by 2050​. This is where businesses come in, as they have the power, platform and responsibility to drive systemic change.

Leaders Need To Be Leaders

Businesses are in a unique position to make a real impact on the way we handle our waste., as they have the resources, influence, and ability to set industry standards for sustainability. From reducing single-use plastics to rethinking waste management practices, businesses can lead by example and inspire others to follow suit.

Participating in World Cleanup Day isn’t just an opportunity to be seen doing some good for the planet. The general public is wiser these days, more aware of publicity stunts, and so efforts to join global causes should be handled in such a way that they can’t easily be shunned as virtue-signalling. Real participation comes from showing a commitment to sustainability.

By getting involved, businesses can demonstrate their dedication to protecting the environment, not just for publicity but as a core value. Whether it's through organising a company-wide cleanup event or supporting local initiatives, businesses have a vital role to play in helping our environment.

Ways Businesses Can Get Involved

Innovate Waste Management Practices

Businesses should look at ways to innovate their waste management practices to reduce their environmental impact. This could involve adopting new technologies or methods suited to their operational environment. For example, GRID-Arendal, a key organiser for World Cleanup Day 2024, is showcasing innovative waste management strategies for the Arctic’s harsh conditions. These kinds of initiatives can inspire businesses to develop or adopt effective waste management solutions​

Organise or Join Local Cleanup Events

One of the most straightforward ways for businesses to get involved is by organising or joining local cleanup events. This not only helps clean up the community but also fosters a sense of teamwork and shared purpose among employees. The Let’s Do It World organisation offers detailed guidance on how to organise a cleanup, covering everything from picking a site to managing logistics and ensuring proper waste disposal​

Raise Awareness and Educate

Businesses have powerful platforms that can be used to raise awareness about environmental issues. Through social media, newsletters, or even workshops, companies can educate their employees and customers about the importance of reducing waste and adopting sustainable practices. Sharing content using the hashtag #WorldCleanupDay2024 can help amplify these efforts and reach a wider audience​

Form Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration can significantly amplify the impact of any environmental initiative. Businesses should consider partnering with local governments, NGOs, or community groups to support cleanup efforts. This could involve providing financial support, resources, or volunteers to these initiatives. Strategic partnerships can help overcome logistical challenges and enhance the visibility and impact of cleanup efforts​

Support Broader Environmental Initiatives

Beyond participating in cleanups, businesses can support broader initiatives that align with global sustainability goals, like the Paris Agreement or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This could involve advocating for stronger environmental policies, supporting research into sustainable technologies, or funding educational programs about sustainability​

Looking Beyond the Cleanup

While World Cleanup Day provides a perfect opportunity to take action, it’s important to remember that a one-day event is just the beginning. Cleanups are a starting point—a way to raise awareness and galvanise action—but they aren’t the end solution. Businesses need to think long-term and make sustainability a core part of their strategy. This means adopting circular economy principles, where waste is minimised, and materials are reused or recycled as much as possible.

Embedding sustainability into core business operations can involve regular sustainability audits, continuous employee engagement programs, and a commitment to ongoing improvement in environmental performance. By doing so, businesses not only reduce their environmental footprint but also build resilience against future regulatory changes and enhance their reputation among increasingly eco-conscious consumers.