Sunday 22nd is World Rivers Day

Rivers are essential to the health of the planet. They provide clean water, food, transportation, and recreation spaces. They support biodiversity and are essential to every ecosystem and living species in the world.

In 2005, the United Nations launched the Water for Life Decade to help create a greater awareness of the need to better care for our water resources. Following this, the establishment of World Rivers Day was in response to a proposal initiated by internationally renowned river advocate, Mark Angelo. Today, it encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world.

Why and how Ocean Bottle work with rivers

For every Ocean Bottle bought, we collect 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles.

We prioritise plastic waste collection from environments highly vulnerable to the accumulation of such waste, with a particular emphasis on rivers. This is because rivers are not only prone to significant plastic waste build-up due to runoff but also serve as a primary pathway for terrestrial plastic waste to enter the ocean.

Our operations span across Indonesia, India, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Brazil, and the Philippines - four of which are home to one of the world’s six largest contributing rivers to ocean plastic pollution. By targeting these waterways, we prevent large quantities of plastic waste from reaching the ocean, and this prevents marine ecosystems from facing the impact of ocean plastic pollution.

The communities living near these ocean-bound rivers are directly affected by plastic waste, which degrades water and soil quality, harms biodiversity, and diminishes the health of croplands and overall landscapes. By cleaning these rivers, we both safeguard these marine environments and also improve the quality of life for these communities.

See how you can show your support HERE:

• Speak to your council - How satisfied are you with your local council’s recycling service? Local authority recycling schemes can vary from street to street. Approach your council if you need clarity on what items can be recycled, or you want to know how much of your recycling will end up in landfill.
• Reduce plastic microfibre release in the waterways - From acrylic jumpers to polyester dresses, many items of clothing contain plastic. Use guppy laundry bags in the washing machine to catch plastic microfibres and stop them entering our waterways.
• You can see the nearest volunteer opportunities to clean your river at The River Trust - https://theriverstrust.org/take-action