Simple Actions: Global Goals Week 2023
Global Goals week is an annual week of action, awareness, and accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals, and we at Leave No Trace Ireland are excited to share some of the fantastic simple actions we can all do to work towards a more sustainable and just world. But first –
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
Organised by the UN, the Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030.
When we talk about global change, it can sound overwhelming, or something too big for simple actions. However, it’s often through simple choices and actions that big changes can happen.
Here are our 7 #SimpleActions we can take this year for the Sustainable Development Goals
1. Take the
#LoveThisPlace Promise
Our outdoor spaces need our love and respect – I promise to:
- Keep Ireland Litter Free
- Protect Our Wildlife
- Stick to the Path to protect our land and coast
- Be Responsible with our Dogs
- Embrace our Island and Cultural Heritage
The Love This Place Promise was developed as part of the 2023 #LoveThisPlace campaign, which focused on simple actions that would address some of the pressure points the Irish outdoors was experiencing this summer. This year we also had our first National Love This Place Day, celebrating how amazing the Irish outdoors is, how much we all love it, and what ways we can protect it!
2. Take Part in a Leave No Trace Trainer Course
The Leave No Trace Trainer Course is open to anyone who has done our certified Awareness course.
This two day course really delves into how we share and teach the #LeaveNoTrace messaging and ethos. As the name of the course implies – after completing this course, you can go on and deliver our awareness course to others, and teach the Leave No Trace Principles.
However, this is a fantastic course to do if you are involved in any outdoor leadership role. Incorporating Leave No Trace messaging into all aspects of our lives and businesses is key to working towards a sustainable future.
Check out our upcoming training opportunities on our Events & Training Calendar.
3. Support organisations like Fair Seas!
In Ireland we only have 8.3% of our ocean protected. Fair Seas are working to see this increase to at least 30% by 2030. There are many ways we can support the work they do – but today, the #SimpleAction we can take is to join their mailing list!
(sign ups are at the bottom of the page)
In their recent website article, Fair Seas have shared a list of organisations across the Island of Ireland where you can volunteer. Find somewhere near you to here!
4. Protect Our Dunes
This summer, CARO organised the Protect Our Dunes campaign, to raise awareness as to how important Sand Dunes are for fighting coastal erosion, and how much Sand Dunes can suffer from human erosion.
Learn more about Protecting Our Dunes on the CARO website, and read our Roadshow Highlights from the 2023 Protect Our Dunes events here!
5. Take Part in the Big Beach Clean with Clean Coasts
The Big Beach Clean 2023 is taking place between 15th and 17th September 2023!
You can register for the Big Clean Flagship Event in Youghal on Friday the 15th – or find an event happening on a beach near you!
6. Take Part in the Dublin Community Clean Up
Dublin City Council provides assistance to local community groups looking to carry out clean-ups in their area. Cleaning equipment such as bags, gloves and litter pickers will be provided on request and arrangements can be made to have the bags collected by the City Council when the clean-up is finished!
7. Take Part in a Get Ireland Walking Event
National Walking Day 2023 takes place this year on Sunday 24th September as part of European Week of Sport.
The goal for 2023 is to have – All people across Ireland get outdoors and #WalkHikeRunPushRoll
On their website you can register your own walk – or use their walk finder to see whats on in your local area!
Each day of the week leading up to National Walking Day, Get Ireland Walking will be sharing different recourses for the different ways and reasons for getting outdoors; such as Happy Hiking Day with Mountaineering Ireland on Tuesday the 19th; and Accessibility & the Outdoors Day on Wednesday 20th with Action Disability Ireland about making an Ireland where people with disabilities have equal opportunities to be active!
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Previous #SimpleActions articles include:
