People litter picking on Sandown Beach

38 volunteers make a positive impact by clearing 13.25kg of waste

On Sunday, 16th March 2025, 38 amazing volunteers rolled up their sleeves and took to Sandown Beach for a clean-up in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society. And what a difference they made!

In just a few hours, the team cleared 13.25kg of waste from the shoreline. Among the rubbish? Glass, plastic, food waste, lollipop sticks, rope, and bits of man-made wood; all things that don’t belong on our beaches and certainly don’t belong in the ocean.

A proper team effort
This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible volunteers who showed up, despite the chilly morning. A huge shoutout to our Top Mops staff, who got stuck in, and to Betapak for supplying most of the tools we needed to get the job done.

Sarah Ford, Relationship Manager at Top Mops, said,

“We’re so grateful to everyone who took the time to help.

“It’s always a bit shocking to see just how much waste is out there, but knowing we’ve removed over 13kg of it? That’s something to be proud of.”

Why it matters
The Marine Conservation Society does incredible work protecting our seas, fighting pollution, restoring marine habitats, and pushing for cleaner, healthier waters.

Beach cleans like this aren’t just about picking up litter; they’re about raising awareness and making small changes that add up to a big impact.

What’s next?
This is just the start. There’s always more to do, and we’d love to see even more people getting involved next time. Whether it’s joining a future clean-up, cutting down on single-use plastics, or simply spreading the word, every little action helps.

Fancy getting involved in the next one? Keep an eye out for updates!