Photos: KBB Holds 2023 ‘Great Big Clean-Up’

Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB] recently wrapped up the 2023 Great Big Bermuda Clean-Up, removing more than 25,000 pounds of litter and illegally dumped bulk waste.

A spokesperson said, “Keep Bermuda Beautiful recently wrapped up the 2023 Great Big Bermuda Clean-Up. The event was sponsored by BF&M and hosted during Earth Week from April 17th to 23rd. The GBBCU was just one of several activities hosted by the charity in recognition of April being Earth Month.

“In total, 1,273 GBBCU volunteers removed more than 25,000 pounds of litter and illegally dumped bulk waste from across the island over a 6-day period. KBB surpassed its 2023 GBBCU goal of coordinating at least 23 clean-ups with a total of 39 clean-ups completed that week.

“It is important to note that 16,315 pounds of the GBBCU total were recorded during the grand finale event, a community clean-up in Smith’s Parish on Sunday, April 23rd. This means that more than two-thirds of the GBBCU total weight was collected in a two-hour period from a small area in Smith’s Parish.

“Thanks go to the 200 volunteers who cleaned through Flatts, along Harrington Sound roadsides and pulled marine debris from the waters of Harrington Sound. Thank you, as well, to the community partners who made the Smith’s Parish community clean-up such a huge success: Wilmot’s Trucking; Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo; Bermuda Zoological Society; Whitney Institute Middle School; Harrington Sound Workmen’s Club; Smith’s Parish Council; Crossroads Youth Football Club; Hamilton Princess & Beach Club; Take Five Catering and BUZZ; and Rosewood Bermuda.

“The GBBCU data totals are impressive, and somewhat shocking, as are the data totals for the whole of Earth Month. Between April 1st to 30th, KBB coordinated 53 clean-ups with more than 1,700 volunteers who removed over 36,000 pounds of trash, bulk waste and recyclables from locations across the island.”

Traci Burgess, KBB’s Executive Director, said, “These numbers are staggering and highlight Bermuda’s chronic problem with littering, illegal dumping and ocean pollution. However, the awesome show of community engagement and the number of volunteers involved with KBB during Earth Month gives us great hope for the future.

“Through the power of partnerships and strong community connections, KBB is developing a united front to combat Bermuda’s waste management problems that are damaging human health and the environment. We believe that collaborating on solutions which focus on environmental action and education is key to leading the way to a cleaner, greener, healthier and more beautiful Bermuda for all.”

Stephanie Hanson, EVP, Group COO of BF&M Limited, said, “We are fortunate to have an organisation such as KBB actively advocating for a cleaner and healthier Bermuda. This was our first year sponsoring the Great Big Bermuda Clean-Up and we are thrilled with the impact that these clean-ups have made within our community. BF&M plans to continue its support of KBB and are happy to announce we have agreed to sign on as main sponsor of the GBBCU again in 2024.”

Ms. Burgess said, “On behalf of KBB, we appreciate BF&M’s belief in our mission to reduce waste, eliminate litter and beautify the island through action and education. The synergy between our two organisations produced phenomenal results for the 2023 GBBCU. BF&M’s support had such a positive impact on the week’s activities and we value the opportunity to continue expanding KBB’s reach through BF&M’s commitment to sponsor the 2024 Great Big Bermuda Clean-Up.”

The spokesperson said, “Visit KBB.bm to subscribe for KBB’s monthly newsletter and learn how you can get involved in making a difference for the environment. Also, be sure to like, follow and share KBB on social media to keep up to date with the charity’s events and activities.”

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Category: All, Community, Environment, Environment, News, Photos