Make the difference in 10 minutes

What if ten minutes could really make a difference? With this simple thought, River Cleanup is relaunching the #10minchallenge: a low-threshold action to clean up litter and create awareness of the waste problem. Between April 22 (Earth Day) and May 22, the Belgian non-profit organization calls on everyone to take ten minutes of their time for a cleaner planet.

Litter is a bigger problem than you think. It breaks down very slowly and has a negative impact on the environment, animals and our health. Plastic never even disappears: it disintegrates into tiny particles, so-called microplastics, which eventually end up in our bodies through the air, drinking water and food. That's where they don't belong, and where they pose all sorts of health risks. With a small action like cleaning up for ten minutes, you show others that you want to do something about this and you can make a real impact. For yourself, your environment and the planet.

More than 20,000 people worldwide have already taken up the challenge. Famous participants include Tom Waes, Koen Wauters, Sofie Dumont, Tom Boonen, Ingeborg, Miss Earth, former prime minister Alexander De Croo and freediver Alessia Zecchini. But companies, schools and associations are also showing their commitment en masse. Everyone can roll up their sleeves: every contribution counts.

1) Take a trash bag and gloves (you probably still have them lying around somewhere)

2) Clean up litter in your neighborhood for 10 minutes

3) Share a photo on social media and challenge 3 others to do the same

Don't forget the hashtag #10minchallenge and tag @rivercleanup.

What began as a personal challenge by founder Thomas de Groote in 2017 grew into the international movement that River Cleanup is today. His very first 10-minute cleanup action immediately left a lasting impression. He himself was never really the “green boy” of the family. It was his sister who was a member of Greenpeace and challenged him to do something himself. Dressed as a superhero, he and his children took to the streets for ten days to clean up litter for ten minutes.

"When I first collected litter that didn't belong to me, I suddenly saw litter I didn't even notice before. You only realize how common it is when you first pick it up yourself." Thomas says. That small action grew into a life's mission: to make rivers plastic-free, worldwide. Because that is where most litter ends up first even before it reaches the ocean. "The #10minchallenge is therefore not only about cleaning up. In addition to raising awareness, it is an invitation to become part of the solution. By giving ten minutes of your time, you show that you want to make a difference."

Join the #10minchallenge between April 22 and May 22. More info & inspiration: https://www.river- cleanup.org/en/10minchallenge