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/
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!
Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent
Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links