Local awareness campaigns generate enthusiasm and make people see the problem so they can become part of the solution. Through educational programs students are activated to become ambassadors within their families and communities. Local community leaders are empowered to take ownership and anchor the change within their communities.

Reducing single-use plastics is the most effective way to avoid plastic waste. Prevention campaigns promote the use of sustainable alternatives and encourage consumers to change their plastic consumption. Preventive collection using smart EcoBins ensures plastic waste does not end up in nature and increases sorting and recycling rates. Cleaning up plastics in and along rivers is not a structural solution but remains an effective measure to remove plastics from rivers.

To accelerate the change, we work on 3 levers to reduce plastic leakage: advocate policy change, monitor compliance, and collaborate within a network of like-minded organizations.

Prioritization of intervention areas based on potential impact, effort, and scalability. A solid understanding of the problem, including root causes, river parameters, ecosystem services, current interventions, and stakeholder analysis, is key to design and implement a river-specific action plan featuring early plastic lifecycle interventions aimed at empowering people, preventing pollution, and accelerating change. This forms the baseline for continuous monitoring and impact evaluation. 

Continuous impact evaluation by actively measuring, benchmarking, and monitoring KPIs contributing to plastic-free rivers, e.g., plastic usage in communities, plastic leakage in rivers, environmental stewardship by individuals, authorities and corporations. Ensure transparency & traceability by standardizing all quantitative & qualitative measurement methods. Visualize progress in a River Data Platform, translate the indicators into information to initiate & improve actions to accelerate change. Set up governance to guarantee the long-term sustainable impact of the Clean River Programs.

Have a look on the map below or at the upcoming events. Many cleanups are organized around the world. Find one close to you and join the cleanup!

Thinking about doing your own cleanup? Register it here on the website so other people can see it. You can also upload photos and share your experience with the River Cleanup community.

You can make a one-off or monthly donation or organize a fundraiser, for example for your birthday, wedding or an important sport event. Your contribution enables us to achieve our mission by cleaning rivers, change behavior and transforming organizations.