Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way
The North Coast 500 are delighted to be supporting the second phase of the award-wining Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way litter prevention campaign.
First launched last year to coincide with tourism re-opening in Scotland, the campaign by Zero Waste Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Keep Scotland Beautiful, aims to raise awareness of the harm done by littering, encouraging Scots to change their habits by taking their litter home or binning it.
Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way aims to encourage people who are eager to go out and enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty and wildlife to bin their litter or take it home with them.
What we’re doing to keep Scotland stunning
We’ve teamed up with our partners to ensure that all hire vehicles include our car litter bags, making it easier for you to collect, store and dispose of your waste.
As the country takes another step back to normality, the NC500 is expected to see a flurry of visitors in the coming months, raising concerns about littering. In fact, most people in Scotland are concerned about litter levels in their local area, with research carried out by Zero Waste Scotland indicating that a majority (89%) see it as a problem in their area. Recently, a third (34%) of the population have seen an increase in litter since the pandemic.
As well as being an eyesore, dropping litter is a criminal offence. Discarded waste can harm wildlife and be a danger for children.
The Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way campaign hopes to lead the way for behaviour change ahead of the expected ban on certain problematic single-use plastic products. As Scotland moves away from single-use items and increases recycling through the new Deposit Return Scheme for drinks cans and bottles, this will ultimately result in less litter, making a good case for systemic change.
So, what can you do?
Travelling by road can be an adventure but it can also present some practical challenges. However, with a little bit of foresight and planning, you can make your way around the North Coast 500 without leaving a trace.
Pack a bag
Plan ahead and make sure to have a bag to put your litter in. If you are likely to have smelly litter, pack a sealable bin so that you can take your litter with you until you find suitable waste disposal facilities. This could be when you next stop to refuel or restock. But be prepared to take your litter home with you if needs be.
In the bin. Not ‘next to’ or ‘on top of’
Litter disposal facilities are an important service, but if they are not usable for whatever reason, then please take your litter away with you.
Scotland is windy and litter left ‘near’ a bin is most likely to blow away beyond reach.
Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it
Achmelvich Bay by Steven Gourlay Photography Ltd
An old naturalist motto that still rings true.
No matter who’s responsible for the mess, try to improve the environment for those to follow. We all have the power to make a difference. Why not?
For some this is home. For others, an adventure. Let’s all respect the land and keep Scotland beautiful.
Are you a master road-tripper? Share your tips for travelling without a trace @KSBScotland using #BinYourLitter
Find out more about how you can visit the North Coast 500 and leave no trace over on our Top Tips page
Did you know?
Dropping litter is illegal in Scotland and carries an £80 penalty. The penalty for flytipping -the illegal dumping of waste- is £200. You can report litter and flytipping to Highland Council here.
