Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

Article Source: Paws on Plastic
Last Updated: 16 January 2025 14:35

The environmental dog charity (SCO51306) encourages dog owners to pick up a couple of pieces of litter on every walk, every day, removing over 39 MILLION pieces of litter a year from our streets, beaches, parks and countryside.

As Blue Monday approaches, and other resolutions crumble into apathy, PAWS ON PLASTIC offers a simple commitment when walking the dog every day anyway, that requires only a minute or two’s effort & no extra equipment, it’s a super simple way one to make and KEEP that actually makes you feel good!

Founded in Stonehaven, NE Scotland, in November 2018 by Primary School Teacher, Marion Montgomery, PAWS on PLASTIC, continues to attract dog owners keen to play their part in fighting plastic pollution, attracting new members and followers on Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky & LinkedIn.

“January can be a hard month for many people, and so many New Year Resolutions fall by the wayside adding to the depression,’ said Marion. ‘Picking up a few pieces of litter is such a simple but extremely positive thing to do when we’re out walking our dogs anyway. The thing most people don’t realise is just how good it is for mental health. It’s extremely empowering and satisfying to take a simple positive action that has such an immediate and visible impact. The simple fact is, if you love animals you don’t DROP litter as it hurts animals. We feel that we should also take that extra wee step to pick up a couple of pieces when we can. It’s a simple thing to do to protect dogs, wildlife and our precious environment from harm.

We are all busy nowadays and it’s often hard to find the time for things. The beauty of Paws on Plastic is that no extra time or effort is required as it only takes a minute to pick up a couple of pieces of litter as part of your everyday dog walking routine.”

“The strength of Paws on Plastic really is its simplicity.” says Marion: “Dog owners are already out there walking our dogs every day. We see the litter and many of us unfortunately have experienced our dogs being injured by it, either eating something that’s been dropped or cutting paws on broken glass. As responsible dog owners, we all should have a spare bag in our pocket & it just takes a second to pick up a couple of pieces. With 27,000 of us, just picking up 2 pieces of litter on 2 daily walks, that’s 108,000 pieces a day, or over 39.5 MILLION a year although, most people pick up more as it is rather addictive! With over 12 million dogs in the UK alone, imagine the impact if we all did our own small bit. That’s the overall aim of Paws on Plastic – simply to make picking up a couple of pieces of litter a normal part of an everyday dog walk. We really have an enormous impact on areas where there are lots of us out every day as then it actually reduces the amount of litter dropped. Studies show that fewer people drop litter in clean areas so it has a double effect.”

Membership has spread to over 70 countries in 6 continents around the world, showing the worldwide desire among dog owners to do play their part. Dogs, like many animals, are naturally attracted to litter, with many picking up plastic bottles and cans. Once your dog has played with one, it’s up to you to dispose of it carefully. The charity does not recommend encouraging dogs to pick up litter although the idea came from dogs doing it naturally. So many animals are injured by litter. The charity encourages dog owners to pick up litter, including that left by irresponsible dog owners, to protect animals, communities and the environment.

EDUCATION on the consequences of litter is also one of the charity’s key aims. Marion regularly visits schools with her dogs, gives talks to community and youth groups, businesses and organisations and runs litterpicks and beach cleans for them.

PAWS ON PLASTIC also runs monthly beach cleans on Stonehaven Beach on the first Saturday of the month, 10-11am with the PLASTIC FREE STONEHAVEN community group of which she is also Lead. Since February 2023 the volunteers have removed over 100,000 kgs of waste. The response from the community has been fantastic with families turning out in all weathers to do their bit for their local environment. There are reward cards for young volunteers and it’s great seeing the enthusiasm for environmental action.

(PLASTIC FREE STONEHAVEN is a community group which gained ‘Plastic Free’ status for the town from SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE in July 2024.)

To join Paws on Plastic, search on Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky and LinkedIn via the links below. You can also register for updates using the link on our website pawsonplastic.org.uk.

Members are responsible for keeping themselves & any accompanying companions safe. All pieces picked up are helping to reduce the amount of plastic ending up in the sea.

Website: pawsonplastic.org.uk/
Members’ Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/344123186321129/
Instagram Page: www.instagram.com/pawsonplastic/

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

Burns Feast and Free Ceilidh at Bonnie & Wild

Edinburgh Food Hall Bonnie & Wild honours Scotland’s National Bard with a ‘Burns Feast’ and free ceilidh!

Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 24th and 25th January

Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

Diving Into History as Glenogle Swim Centre Hosts Great Lengths Exhibition

The ‘Your Health is for Life – Great Lengths’ exhibition comes to historic Glenogle Baths, a stunning Victorian facility in the heart of Stockbridge, as it marks its 125th anniversary year.

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

Roxy Rose Street launches Ballers Bottomless Brunch

Roxy Lanes Rose Street launches The Ballers Bottomless Brunch featuring 90 minutes of competitive fun with a game of your choice, bottomless drinks, and American-style sharers.

Milestone move as National Galleries of Scotland to host the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026

The Scottish Portrait Awards are back and bigger than ever, as the Scottish Arts Trust and National Galleries of Scotland announce a landmark move to the Portrait gallery for 2026!

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

Beat the January Blues with Family Tickets Offer at Volcano Falls in Edinburgh

Volcano Falls is inviting families to get rid of the winter gloom with a special online-only offer – 20% off family tickets Sunday 19th January 2025!

Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh

Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh with visit to Tinderbox Collective to launch his new Foundation supporting music education.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Burns Night with an affordable set menu

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh will celebrate Burns Night on Saturday January 25th in honour of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns, with a chef-curated set menu for under £30.

Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies

Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.

BrewDog launches brand new Touchdown Lager ahead of big game watch parties in Glasgow and Edinburgh

BrewDog, is partnering with Tesco to launch a brand new grid-iron inspired Wingman Lager. If only there was a massive game coming up that it could tie-in perfectly with...

Cruden Homes and City Of Edinburgh Council support North Edinburgh Community Festival with Donation

North Edinburgh Community Festival (NECF), one of the city’s most anticipated family-friendly events, has received a £2,000 donation from Cruden Homes and City of Edinburgh Council.

Scots brewery launches series of Iron Brew beers to beat January blues

Edinburgh-based brewer Vault City has paid tribute to an iconic Scottish drink, launching a four-part series of Irn-Bru-inspired sour beers.

Brace yourselves, burger lovers... Veganuary just got an upgrade!

Veganuary is well and truly underway and Fat Hippo's BurgerLab has been cooking up a limited-edition vegan masterpiece that proves going vegan doesn't mean skimping on the good stuff!

The Biscuit Factory announces a range of new events in celebration of its neighbours

The Biscuit Factory, housed in the historic Crawford’s Biscuits on Anderson Place in Leith, is thrilled to announce a slew of new and exciting events for 2025.

Roxy Leisure partner with Everleaf and Lucky Saint for Dry January

For Dry January 2025, Roxy Leisure is teaming up with premium non-alcoholic brands Everleaf and Lucky Saint, offering guests exclusive mocktails and promotions from 2nd - 31st January.

Coming This Month: Trio of Stunning Varna International Ballet Performances

Edinburgh Playhouse welcomes Varna International Ballet’s trio of stunning performances this month!

Dynamic Earth Expands Inclusive Access with New 2025 Relaxed Opening Dates

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.

Lost Shore Surf Resort to Launch Inaugural Wellbeing Month in January

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf resort in Ratho, Edinburgh, is kicking off the New Year with its first-ever Wellbeing Month, launching on 1st January 2025.

First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery At The Arches

World-renowned distillers, Edinburgh Gin, has opened the doors to its brand new distillery at The Arches.

Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to textile heartland of Scotland

A highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at the Great Tapestry of Scotland!

Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico

Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.

Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.

Australian superstar Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles

Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles: playing Frank-N-Furter in Richard O'Brien's anarchic musical, The Rocky Horror Show at Edinburgh Playhouse.

Vault City toasts first ever supermarket listings for stout with major UK name

Jingle Brew: Edinburgh-based independent beer firm Vault City now has its Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout stocked by Tesco in time for festive season.

Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well

Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings