PAWS ON PLASTIC
Combining Positive Health Benefits with Environmental Action
When Marion Montgomery took ill with shingles in 2018, she was unable to continue working as a primary school teacher. Left with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), daily walks with her dog were a godsend. But despite the benefits that came from being outdoors, the walks also resulted in cause for concern.
“I noticed litter. I was walking past the same pieces every day, and the next day there would be more. I do a circular walk which takes me past a burn with ducks in it, and I thought, that litter is just going to blow into the water if I don’t do anything about it.”
Marion, who was born in Irvine and grew up in Ayr, set up a Facebook group and encouraged other dog owners to join.
“So many dog owners are worried about their dogs. They see litter as a problem – Labradors will eat everything! It’s a worry, so they have a vested interest to take action. As responsible dog owners, we’ve got poo bags in our pockets, and it just takes a minute.”
The idea was to encourage dog walkers to pick up just two pieces of litter each time they went for a walk.
“If everybody does a little bit, then it adds up to a huge amount.”
In 2021, with more and more people joining Marion’s litter-picking project, Paws on Plastic was set up as a registered charity. The charity now has 29,000 followers and members and Marion is hoping to see this number increase to 35,000 by 2029.
“There is a sign-up option on our website for membership. Based on our new target, it would mean about 51 million pieces of litter being removed every year, based on an average of two pieces of litter on two daily walks.”
That’s an awful lot of rubbish, although Marion tries not to get too hung-up on the figures. The last thing she wants is to put people off.
“It gets quite addictive. When I was ill, picking up litter gave me a focus. It’s a nice feel-good thing to do, and it gave me a community. You get to know people through their dogs and can empathise with people. We’re in over 70 countries worldwide. It’s developed into a lovely community.”
Depending on what is picked up, the items are either disposed of in litter bins or taken home and recycled. And rather than speculating on who may have dropped it in the first place, Marion tries to focus on the positive.
“You can label people how you like… but all kinds of people drop litter.”
She’s right, which is why there was a need for Paws on Plastic in the first place. And seven years after initially having the idea, Marion’s project continues to grow.
“Running on volunteers only gets you so far. To grow further, we need a paid co-ordinator. It’s an exciting time for us, especially having just won the King’s Award.”
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. It was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Kincardineshire, and following the Award, two volunteers from Paws on Plastic will attend a Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse later this year. In the meantime, Marion, who now lives in Stonehaven, will continue to grow the charity.
“We organise beach cleans… I’ve joined up with Irvine Clean Up Crew and helped them when I’m down in Ayrshire. Also, we go to dog events, because we’re obviously aiming at doggy people. And The Kiltwalk is a good opportunity to pick up litter and promote what we do.”
If you’re interested in joining Paws on Plastic, you can find them on Facebook or Instagram or become a member by visiting www.pawsonplastic.org.uk.
“The environmental community is so lovely and supportive,” concludes Marion.
