More than two million pieces of litter are dropped in the UK daily and 70% of that is food packaging. Nine billion tonnes of litter ends up in the oceans across the planet each year and animals most affected by litter in the world are all sea creatures – fish, whales, turtles, and dolphins. Around 60% of global water pollution is linked to littering.

Ok, so they're not exactly fun facts, but the good news?

There is something positive we can do about. And last in Wandsworth, that's exactly what happened

12 of us met at the bAC as usual, and this week it was over to Steph to come up with the question of the week. It was a belter - when is the official date it is acceptable to start getting festive for Christmas? Answers ranged from anytime after Bonfire Night, to the 17th December. The majority went with the 1st December, but we decided the winning answer goes to Adam who said it was after his birthday - so the 2nd December it is!

We grabbed our pickers, which helpfully fold up so are easy to run with, and made our way to the first stop of the night. The road between Shillinghurst Park (better known as Banana Park!) and Doddington (home of the lovely community garden) is one that is well trodden for us. As the weeks have passed we have noticed the litter problem growing and growing and last night we decided to do something about it.

We divided up into two teams - recycling and general waste - and got picking. There was all the usual detritus, including more bottles and cans that you could shake a litter pick at. Then there was the challenge of how to dispose of the dozens and dozens of empty bottles of fast gas that we found, plus some more unusual items. Laura bravely tackled the soggy cow/cat/unidentified furry item, while Catherine demonstrated some amazing picker dexterity by managing to snare a penny. Skills!

Shout out to Chris who did his regular Monday morning litter pick on Wandsworth common, collecting over 0 empty cans of beer, and was back for more in the evening with us! What a great effort to make our area cleaner and safer

We got rid of our bags at the big bins, and then made our way back to the BAC for a mega fitness session. Teaming up, we added a competitive element by seeing which pair could do the most hill sprints interspersed with conditioning exercises. Kudos to Team Chris and Adam, and Team Catherine, Alice and Jo and to everybody, the efforts last night were amazing!

Some dates for your diary.

• This Saturday there is a great community mission to plant a new orchard between Tooting and Streatham that promises to be a lot of fun and a great workout!

• Tomorrow evening why not join this nice, short inside task to help an environmental clothes charity

• Get your glad rags on and join us for all the fun of the festive season at our Christmas party on the 12th

If there are ever any missions, runs or socials you want to shout about then just let me know!