HOW CAN YOU MAKE AN IMPACT TO THE COMMONWEALTH CLEAN OCEANS PLASTICS CAMPAIGN?
The Royal Commonwealth Society is calling on people from across the Commonwealth to act against plastic pollution. We can all make a powerful difference in preventing the impact plastic has on our natural world – both by raising awareness but also by taking positive action to prevent waste from entering waterways across the globe.
As part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has been at the forefront of working with partners from across the globe – including conservationists, schools and youth groups to deliver in-country clean-up and education events alongside the King’s Baton Relay.
With Glasgow 2026 just around the corner, we are encouraging everyone to get involved in supporting the campaign and play their own part in protecting Commonwealth waterways. Please find below some inspiration on how you can host your own clean-up event or support from a fundraising perspective, allowing us to continue to drive progress with partners across the Commonwealth.
Here are fundraising ideas specially designed for aspiring conservationists, schools and youth groups to help support the campaign, while learning about environmental stewardship and having fun along the way.
SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUPS
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You can find a range of materials to support you to undertake your own plastic pick-up or raise awareness around the issues of plastic pollution in our oceans on the resources page of our website.
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Consider undertaking a fundraising event to support the continued work of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign – such as a bake sale or mufti day.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
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Make use of a corporate volunteering day, team building exercise or use your lunch hour, to host your own pick-up event – with your team! It could also work as a unique team building exercise, whilst helping to save Commonwealth waterways. A range of materials for how to host your own event is available here.
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Consider making a donation to the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, as part of a corporate volunteering day or an office bake sale!
OTHER FUNDRAISING OR AWARENESS IDEAS
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Sponsored Plastic-Free Challenge: See if you can go for a day, week or longer without making any plastic waste. Set a clear timeframe for the challenge and see how much of the following “single-use plastics” can you remove from your daily routine.
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Organise a sponsored beach walk or river walk, focusing on picking-up plastic litter as you go.
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If you already run a beach or river clean up, encourage people to create artwork, fashion, or sculptures using recycled plastics and hold an auction or exhibition. Invite parents and community members to view and purchase the artworks, as a way of donating to the issue.
We would encourage you promote your event both in advance and afterwards! Use the hashtag #CWCleanOceans in any of your posts, and to also tag the Royal Commonwealth Society (@RoyalCWSociety) on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn or via JustGiving.
DONATE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As a charity committed to fighting plastic pollution, the Royal Commonwealth Society depends on the generosity of supporters like you.
Your donation helps us drive forward the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign and deliver real change for our shared oceans.
Together, we can create cleaner seas, a healthier planet, and a sustainable future for all.