June is “Clean-up Month” in Fukuoka Prefecture, with many environmental projects taking place. One of these is Love Earth Clean-up, an event which encourages members of the community to clean up public spaces. It’s simple and fun volunteer work, and anyone can participate! Love Earth Clean-up is now held all over Japan, but did you know it originated in Fukuoka?
It all began in June 1990, when a group of Fukuoka residents came together to clear local beaches of litter, dubbing their project “Clean The Beach.” The “Club of Rome Conference,” held in Fukuoka in May 1992, put environmentalism further into the spotlight with its focus on “Global Environment and Community Activities.” As a result, the first Love Earth Clean-up Kyushu event was held on Sunday, May 17 of that year. According to press reports, more than 103,000 citizens and 545 companies and organizations from Fukuoka and Saga participated in the campaign, collecting a whopping 940 tons of waste!
Since then, Love Earth Clean-up has been held every June. This year it will take place on Sunday, June 10, from 9:00. Local beaches, as well as the Tatara River, the Naka River, the Muromi River, Kego Park and Reisen Park will be clean-up sites. Rubbish bags will be provided by the executive committee – all you need to bring is a pair of thick gloves. So get your family and friends together and join in, we look forward to seeing you there!
For further information or inquiries, please contact the Love Earth Clean-up executive committee at k-keihatsu.EB@city.fukuoka.jp or email Clean Fukuoka Association at info@love-earth-jp.net
