#TakItHame - even when it's local

Picking litter in the hills gathered a lot of support and action last summer, when we launched #TakItHame. We were delighted at the response and had so many requests for special #TakItHame reusable bags, made from repurposed sugar cane, that we ran out of them. 

The campaign was all set to relaunch bigger and better this spring, but with the arrival of the Coronavirus and all of us staying at home and not going into the mountains for our recreation, things haven’t gone to plan!  

We are keen, however, that the #TakItHame message is not forgotten and is still at the forefront of our minds, so that when we are able to get back out to the hills and glens, we take it with us.  

When some of our members contacted us to let us know they’ve been using their #TakItHame bags while taking exercise locally and picking up litter they find in their own area, we thought we’d relaunch the campaign but with a different, more local slant.  

Based on the simple concept that “if we don’t pick it up, then who will?”, we are adapting it to include plogging around your local area. Plogging is a combination of jogging with picking up litter, but can be done while walking too. Plalking isn’t such a memorable expression, but you know what we mean! 

Never done it before?  Don’t worry.  A special Mountaineering Scotland bag may be desirable, but it’s not essential, and any old supermarket bag will do.  Information and tips are available on our dedicated #TakItHame web page. 

Of course, the first consideration in these times of Covid-19 is to stay safe and observe the social distancing rules. Only do what you assess is safe and feel comfortable doing – do not put yourself or others at risk. Use a litter picker if you have one, or gloves (disposable or otherwise); use hand sanitizer and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.   

There are three key things to remember: 

1. Don’t pick up anything that might put you at risk, like sharp objects, tissues or dog waste. 

2. Dispose of litter at home by sorting into your recycling or landfill bins, depending on what it is you have picked up; wash the bag thoroughly and use again. 

3. Take a photo of what you have collected and share on social media, using the hashtag #TakItHame, and tag us so we can see what you have been doing.