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Cleaning up for Cambodia

Stour and AvonDecember 2, 20220 Comment0

by Lorraine Gibson.

A schoolgirl has pledged to clean a mile of Dorset beach every week of the year to raise vital funds for rural Cambodian communities.

Scarlet Sutcliffe has taken on a challenge to clean 60 miles of South West coastline to raise money for the trip abroad to help with charity projects, including community development and wildlife and environmental conservation.

“Picking up litter is easy but it has such a big impact,” says the 15-year-old Queen Elizabeth School pupil.
“I want to help people and when Camps International came and talked about going to Cambodia to make a difference by volunteering within rural communities I had to take it!”
“It’s a huge undertaking. I have to raise £4,500 to get there which is why I am doing the beach clean in hope that people will sponsor me.”
“I really care about the environment and helping others less fortunate than me so I chose to do this trip but also to do my bit for the local area.
“Every pound I raise is going to a good cause and I’ve already recycled two thirds of the litter – mostly plastic or glass bottles, cans and coffee cups.’’

So far, Scarlet has completed eight miles along Sandbanks and Durdle Door, filling bin liners with rubbish and rating each location’s cleanliness on an Instagram journal.
“The plan is to cover as much of the Dorset coastline as possible. Next on my list are Mudeford and Hengistbury Head.”
I point out that picking up other people’s trash is a rubbish – and potentially hazardous – job.
She agrees but she’s determined and, importantly, well prepared.
“It’s upsetting that people have such little regard for our planet – not just those who leave litter but also those who walk past it without picking it up.
“I’m grateful to Wimborne War on Waste who’ve kindly loaned me gloves, a litter picker and robust bags made of recycled tents.”
She will spend four weeks in Cambodia in 2024, supporting the expedition’s core objectives to raise the educational and living standards of developing communities and assist with ongoing conservation programs.
Scarlet’s take on Greta Thunberg? “I admire anyone who is passionate about doing good things and is willing to speak up for what they believe in, so she’s a good role model.”