July’s Anytime Litter Pick Round-Up

July saw a flurry of GoodGymers taking to the parks, pavements, and parkruns for some self-led (and often friend-powered) litter picks. Instead of one big group mission, we had a string of solo and paired-up heroes tackling the mess wherever they found it. The results were as varied as they were brilliant: • Peter van Tongeren took charge in Hackney and Redbridge, clearing gas canisters, a Lime bike dumped in a disabled bay, and general rubbish at parkrun. • Epping crew handled general waste with their usual quiet efficiency. • Kidbrooke’s Sutcliffe Park got a deep clean thanks to one dedicated plogger. Not only was a lost ‘Boris Bike’ reported to TfL, but around 200 Himalayan balsam plants were pulled to protect local biodiversity. A toy plane made a soft landing and was thoughtfully left for a young aviator to find. • Paul and Mike turned a casual walk into a purposeful mission, chatting and laughing their way through a clean-up with coffee and compliments from passers-by. • Jackie and Sally teamed up too—proof that plogging is better with pals!

There’s something quietly joyful about doing good in the background—just you, your buddy, and a grabber. People notice. You’ll feel it. And it sticks.

So why not give it a go this August? Grab a mate, your running shoes (or comfy walking ones), and sign up for your own little mission. You’ll get fresh air, friendly waves, and the warm fuzz of doing something that matters. And who knows—you might even find a toy plane of your own.

A few people committed to do a litter pick in June. Litter—especially plastics, wrappers, and cans—can harm animals who may eat it or get trapped. Picking it up helps prevent injury or death to birds, marine life, and other creatures, and keeps natural spaces healthier. It improves community pride and mental wellbeing A clean environment looks better and makes people feel better. Litter picking is a small act that can spark a sense of ownership and community spirit—and doing it yourself can be surprisingly uplifting and calming, like a moving meditation with purpose.

Let’s go again in July!