ABOUT
ABOUT CLEAN UP THE WORLD
Clean Up the World has engaged an estimated 35 million volunteers across 133 countries, making it one of the largest community-based environmental campaigns in the world. Community groups, schools, businesses, and local governments join as Members and carry out activities that address local environmental issues.
By facilitating local action, Clean Up the World brings about global environmental change.
Who we are
Clean Up the World was established in 1993 and is a not-for-profit, non-government apolitical event that unites communities with a common focus to protect the environment. We support local groups and organisations to plan and conduct various activities to clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.
What we do
We empower people in communities all over the world to make a difference to their local environment.
We encourage groups in every region of the globe to organize activities and register with us to gain access to our planning tools and event resources.
We offer over 25 years of experience running environmental projects.
We offer over 25 years of experience running environmental projects.
We also connect groups together to create a support network which ensures ongoing outcomes for communities and the environment. We share experiences and results so that others can be inspired to take action.
30
Years
49,205
Projects
133
Countries
35,000,000+
People
Where we operate
Clean Up the World operates across a geo-scheme of six regions:
Africa, Europe, West Asia, Asia Pacific, Latin America & the Caribbean, and North America.
Select a region to explore a selection of Clean Up the World members and activities ...
Activities we support
To address local environmental issues and/or to celebrate key initiatives,
Clean Up the World Members conduct a variety of activities.
They include:
They include:
Any type of activity which raises awareness, improves the local environment or contributes to solving of an environmental problem
is likely to be supported by Clean Up the World.
Organize an activity in your local area and be part of Clean Up the World.
Organize an activity in your local area and be part of Clean Up the World.
Our Ethos
Clean Up the World Members agree to honor the spirit of the
Clean Up the World ethos when participating in and conducting campaign activities.
Members must be:
- Committed to making a positive difference to the community and environment: activities should be inspiring, engaging and respectful of the local community.
- A volunteer movement: people cannot be charged to be involved in activities nor can activities be conducted for commercial or financial gain.
- Committed to the safety of volunteers: activities must be carried out in accordance with the local laws and regulations relevant to the activity.
- Uniting communities as part of a global campaign: participants must respect the presence and activities of other participants in their proximity.
- A non-confrontational and apolitical organisation:
participants and activities must be peaceful and without political connection, content or bias.
- Welcoming to communities of all nations, cultures, races and faiths:
participants and activities must respect political, cultural, and religious differences and beliefs.
- Non-partisan:
participants and activities must not promote partisan, political, cultural or religious viewpoints, or imply endorsement of partisanship by Clean Up the World.
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.
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 💓🌎
