The 2 Minute Foundation – a charity campaigning to inspire people to take two minutes out of their day to clear up the worlds beaches, oceans, parks, streets and open spaces
On World Ocean Day in 2023, we went along to the World Ocean’s Day Beach Clean Up, organised by The 2 Minute Foundation as part of the Ocean Festival held in Bude and locations across the world.
We were so impressed with the concept of cleaning up our planet 2 minutes at a time, that we went along to meet CEO, Nicky Green, in Croyde, North Devon.
Nicky was appointed as CEO in 2022, taking over from Founder, Martin Dorey, and continues to take its followers on a journey to help clean up the planet together – 2 minutes at a time.
Our meeting took place on the beach at the very beautiful Croyde Bay and involved, yes, you’ve guessed it, a beach clean.
Born from a Hashtag
It seemed only fitting to hold our meeting during a beach clean, given that The 2 Minute Foundation began more than a decade ago with a simple hashtag: #2MinuteBeachClean.
As Instagram and Twitter grew in popularity, the idea was simple yet powerful: spend just two minutes picking up litter, snap a photo on your phone, upload it, and tag it with the hashtag. What started as a small campaign quickly snowballed into a social media movement. Today, that single hashtag has been used over 200,000 times.
Looking out across the now-pristine sand, you might think there’s nothing left to pick up – but a closer look tells a different story. Microplastics, or nurdles, are tiny fragments of plastic that have broken down over time. Hundreds, even thousands, of these tiny beads hide in the sand, a reminder that there’s always more work to do.
We spent an hour strolling along the beach, chatting as we went, and picking up litter along the way. By the end, our collection of plastic debris was substantial – much of it destined for the ocean if left behind.
These tiny plastics, or microplastics, are often mistaken for food by fish, seabirds, and other marine creatures. Once ingested, they can work their way up the food chain, eventually reaching humans and reminding us of the far-reaching impact of even the smallest pieces of litter.
Nicky has since moved on to pastures new, but The 2 Minute Foundation continues its journey. We’ll be returning in the coming months to see how the foundation’s mission is evolving and what the next chapter holds.
#2minutelitterpick
The Two Minute Foundation began with the ocean, but their mission quickly extended inland.
All waterways eventually lead to the sea, and there was a growing need to tackle litter before it reached drains and rivers. In fact, 80% of the litter collected on beaches originates from inland sources.
By removing harmful litter from natural habitats and inspiring action through the #2MinuteLitterPick campaign, the foundation has helped shift attitudes across the UK, encouraging more people to take a stand against litter and plastic pollution.
What came next?
The 2 Minute Foundation achieved charity status in 2020 and were on a journey as environmental educators but wanted to create a unique offering to environmental learning.
The 2 Minute Beach School provides environmental teaching right on the beach.
Teaching all things coastal from the tides, geology, and the intrinsic link between plastic and climate change, the sessions are delivered by qualified teachers.
The 2 Minute Foundation supports social and emotional wellbeing and development, providing planet positive actions to help combat anxiety and feeling of helplessness. Children benefit physically and mentally from the non-classroom based environment and time in ‘Blue’ space.
#2minutesofpositivity
We know that getting outdoors and doing something planet positive is fantastic for our well-being. The 2 Minute Foundation’s, #2minutesofpositivity campaign is all around taking 2 minutes for yourself, as well as supporting the planet. Reading a few pages of your favourite book, meditating, whatever brings you that little boost of positivity.
Follow this link to find out more about The 2 Minute Foundation and how you can help
Connect with the 2 Minute Foundation on social media for regular updates.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2minutehq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2minutehq/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2minuteHQ
