In memory of our Founder
Clean Up the World was founded by Ian Kiernan AO. Ian was a keen yachtsman and during a solo around-the-world yacht race in 1987, was appalled by the amount of rubbish choking the world's oceans.
He saw its devastating effects on nature and decided to take action. With the support of a committee of friends, he organised a community event – Clean Up Sydney Harbour.
In 1990, Clean Up held the first national, community-based clean up day that is now part of the Australian calendar. Clean Up Australia Day was so successful, that Ian and his team decided to share this vision with the global community. In 1993, Clean Up the World was launched mobilizing 30 million people in 80 countries, with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme.
"For 25 years, community groups around the globe have come together to take action.
Their willingness to do something to help protect and care for their precious environments is fantastic.
2018 is Clean Up the World’s 25th year, which is pretty impressive. The campaign is now ready and waiting for your registrations.
So come and join us! This year, together we will show that our local efforts have significant, global, environmental impacts."
Ian Kiernan AO, Clean Up The World Founder.
Sadly, Ian passed away in October 2018 aged 78.
You can support his legacy, leave a message of condolence or share stories at
Vale Ian 💓🌎