Ongar Tidy Towns

Friday, 18 April 2025

Litter Picking Equipment Provided by Fingal County Council – A Step Toward a Cleaner Community

Chapter 1: The Power of Equipment – Enabling Litter Picking in Our Communities

Littering is an ongoing issue that impacts the beauty and health of our environment, but as communities, we’re fighting back. Thanks to the generous support of Fingal County Council, local groups now have access to all the necessary equipment for effective litter picking. From grabbers and gloves to bags and high-visibility vests, these resources enable community members to tackle rubbish head-on, making our streets, parks, and beaches cleaner and safer.

The availability of professional-grade equipment means that litter pickers, whether they’re volunteers or organized groups, are fully equipped to face the challenge of rubbish. Fingal County Council has recognised the power of community-driven clean-ups and has stepped up to ensure that anyone who wants to help can do so efficiently and safely. These resources not only help in cleaning up but also foster a spirit of unity and pride, with individuals and groups taking ownership of their surroundings.

In the following chapters, we’ll explore how this equipment has made a tangible impact, the importance of community participation, and how we can continue to make a lasting difference with the tools provided by Fingal County Council.

Chapter 2: The Essential Litter Picking Tools – What’s in the Kit?

When it comes to litter picking, having the right tools is essential for making the process more efficient and safe. Thanks to Fingal County Council, local volunteers now have access to a wide range of high-quality equipment to assist in the clean-up efforts. Here’s a closer look at the essential tools provided:

Litter Pickers: These long-handled tools allow pickers to grab litter without bending down, reducing the strain on the back and minimizing contact with waste. Whether it’s a plastic bottle or a piece of paper, the grabber makes it easy to collect litter from all areas, including hard-to-reach spots like gutters and hedgerows.
Gloves: Proper gloves are a must for protecting hands from sharp objects, harmful waste, and bacteria. Fingal County Council provides durable gloves that are designed to withstand the rigors of litter picking while ensuring comfort and safety.
Trash Bags: The right-sized bags are critical for holding all the collected waste. Fingal County Council supplies sturdy, high-capacity trash bags, allowing volunteers to gather large amounts of rubbish without worrying about tearing or spillage.
Safety Guidelines and Support: Alongside the equipment, Fingal County Council also provides helpful safety guidelines to ensure that all volunteers understand best practices for litter picking. This ensures that clean-up efforts are done with the utmost care for the environment and personal safety.

Together, these tools make the job of litter picking easier, safer, and more efficient, allowing volunteers to focus on what matters most – cleaning up and restoring our communities.

Chapter 3: The Role of Fingal County Council – Supporting Local Initiatives

Fingal County Council has played a crucial role in supporting litter-picking efforts across the region. By providing the necessary equipment, the Council ensures that local residents and organizations have the tools they need to take ownership of their environment.

The commitment to supplying litter picking kits is part of a larger initiative aimed at improving public spaces, reducing waste, and raising awareness about the importance of waste management. Fingal County Council understands that while public clean-up efforts can’t solve the issue of littering entirely, they are an important step toward creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Furthermore, the support extends beyond just providing equipment. The Council also fosters a sense of community by organizing events, providing information, and encouraging local groups to get involved. This collaborative approach strengthens the efforts of litter pickers and demonstrates the positive impact of working together toward a shared goal.

Chapter 4: How Litter Picking Benefits Our Community – More Than Just Clean Streets

Litter picking is about more than just picking up trash; it’s about fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and pride in our local areas. When communities engage in regular clean-up efforts, the benefits are far-reaching:

Environmental Benefits: Removing litter prevents harmful substances from leaching into the soil and water, safeguarding local wildlife and ecosystems. It helps protect local flora and fauna from the dangers posed by waste materials, especially plastic, which can take centuries to break down.
Health and Safety: Litter-free public spaces reduce the risks associated with litter, such as tripping hazards and the spread of disease. By reducing waste, we also help to prevent the presence of vermin and other pests that are attracted to rubbish.
Enhanced Community Spirit: Litter pick-ups provide an opportunity for residents to come together and take pride in their community. When people work side by side toward a common cause, it strengthens relationships and instills a sense of belonging and responsibility.
Economic Impact: A cleaner environment is often more inviting to businesses, tourists, and new residents. It can enhance property values, boost local tourism, and make communities more attractive places to live and work.

The act of litter picking creates a ripple effect, where the efforts of a few inspire many more to take part, ultimately leading to cleaner, more vibrant communities. And with the support of Fingal County Council, we can all contribute to that vision.

Chapter 5: Moving Forward – Continuing the Fight Against Litter

With the essential tools now available through Fingal County Council, the fight against litter is stronger than ever. But the work doesn’t end with a few clean-up sessions. To ensure that our communities stay clean and our environment protected, continued effort and commitment are necessary.

Education plays a key role in preventing litter from accumulating in the first place. Schools, local organizations, and individuals must continue to spread the message about responsible waste disposal. Promoting recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and encouraging sustainable practices can help reduce the amount of rubbish produced in the first place.

Local governments, including Fingal County Council, can continue to support and incentivize litter pick-ups by offering more resources, organizing community events, and raising awareness. But ultimately, it’s the community itself – volunteers, residents, and business owners – who will make the biggest difference.

The provision of litter-picking equipment is just the beginning. It’s up to each of us to use these tools to keep our communities clean, safe, and beautiful for generations to come.

#FingalCountyCouncil #LitterPicking #CleanUpCommunity #EnvironmentalAwareness #GreenFingal #WasteNot #VolunteerPower #KeepIrelandClean #CommunitySpirit #SustainableFuture #LitterFreeFingal #ProtectOurPlanet

Litter Pickers and the Fight Against Rubbish

Chapter 1: The Battle Begins – Tackling the Scourge of Rubbish

Rubbish. It’s the unwanted guest that refuses to leave. It clutters our streets, parks, and beaches, staining the beauty of our environment and poisoning our communities. It’s disgusting to think about, but the unfortunate truth is that littering has become a common practice. Every time we walk outside, we witness the havoc rubbish causes to our planet. But there’s hope – and it starts with the humble litter picker.

Litter pickers are unsung heroes, armed with a simple tool but with a powerful mission: to rid the world of the trash that has become so commonplace. It’s a fight that demands not only action but also awareness. For every candy wrapper discarded without a second thought, there are individuals dedicated to picking up the pieces and restoring order to the chaos.

With every bag of rubbish collected, litter pickers are making a statement – that they care about their environment, their communities, and their future. They are proof that one person can make a difference, and when communities come together, the collective effort can be overwhelming.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Litter – Why Rubbish is More Than Just Ugly

It’s easy to dismiss litter as an eyesore. "It’s just a bit of trash," some may say. But the truth is far more alarming. Rubbish impacts the environment in ways most people don’t consider. Animals can mistake litter for food, leading to injury or death. Toxic chemicals from waste leach into the soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and endangering wildlife. Even plastic waste, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, continues to accumulate, contributing to the growing environmental crisis.

The scale of the problem is staggering. According to the United Nations, over 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year. This affects marine life, food chains, and ultimately, human health. Yet, while the problem seems overwhelming, there are solutions – and litter pickers are an integral part of the solution.

By dedicating time to pick up litter, individuals are taking active steps toward reducing the impact of waste. What may seem like a small action on its own can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to take responsibility for their surroundings. Communities that actively engage in clean-up efforts are healthier, more connected, and more likely to see positive change.

Chapter 3: The Power of Litter Pickers – Heroes in Our Midst

Litter pickers don’t wear capes, but they’re no less heroic. Armed with their trusty grabbers, gloves, and trash bags, they are out there every day, taking responsibility for a world that’s been left to decay. They are the silent warriors, working tirelessly to restore pride and cleanliness to the streets.

But why do they do it? For many, the reason is simple: they care. They care about their neighborhoods, their planet, and the future generations who will inherit this earth. It’s a form of activism, a way of saying, "I won’t stand by and watch my environment suffer."

Moreover, litter picking has a communal aspect. It brings people together. Whether it’s a group of friends getting together for a weekend clean-up or an entire school organizing a litter-picking day, these activities foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility. It’s not just about picking up trash; it’s about taking pride in your surroundings and encouraging others to do the same.

Chapter 4: Changing Habits – How We Can All Be Part of the Solution

While litter pickers are doing their part, the bigger challenge is changing the mindset of the general public. The key to combating littering lies in prevention and education. We need to teach people that rubbish isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a threat to our planet.

Schools, communities, and governments need to step up and provide the necessary tools and knowledge to fight litter. Simple actions like installing more bins in public spaces, creating awareness campaigns, and teaching children about the importance of waste disposal can have a lasting impact. It’s about creating a culture of respect for the environment, where littering is seen as unacceptable.

On a personal level, we all have a role to play. Carrying a spare bag for your trash when you're out and about is an easy and effective way to keep your environment clean. If you see a piece of litter on the ground, pick it up. It takes just a second but can make a world of difference.

Small actions, when multiplied by millions of people, can have a massive impact. Together, we can reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in our streets and oceans. The key is awareness, education, and a shared commitment to keeping our world clean.

Chapter 5: The Future – A Cleaner World with the Help of Litter Pickers

Looking to the future, there’s hope that the global movement to fight litter will continue to grow. With every piece of trash that’s picked up, there’s a growing sense of pride in the work being done. Litter pickers are setting an example for future generations – that we don’t have to accept the rubbish that surrounds us.

But it’s not just about cleaning up after others. It’s about changing the systems that produce so much waste in the first place. From reducing packaging to supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, we can shift the way we consume and dispose of goods. The fight against littering is part of the larger battle for environmental sustainability.

Through education, action, and continued effort, we can create a world where litter is no longer a problem. Litter pickers, however, will remain the heroes, doing the dirty work while inspiring others to care for the planet. And together, we can ensure that our streets, beaches, and parks are as beautiful and clean as they were always meant to be.

A Special Thanks from Ongar Tidy Towns

At Ongar Tidy Towns, we want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated litter pickers who work tirelessly to keep our community clean. Your hard work and commitment make a real difference, and we appreciate every effort you put into making our surroundings a better place for everyone. Together, we can continue to make Ongar and the world a cleaner, greener place.

#LitterPickingHeroes #CleanUpTheWorld #EnvironmentalAction #RubbishFreePlanet #CommunityCleanUp #WasteNotWantNot #SustainableFuture #RespectOurPlanet #PickUpTheTrash #SaveTheEarth #OngarTidyTowns #CommunityPride

Get Ready for Next Month’s Exciting Community Events: Street Fest & Litter Picking

Get Ready for Next Month’s Exciting Community Events: Street Fest & Litter Picking

Next month, our community is gearing up for two exciting and impactful events that will not only bring people together but also encourage a sense of pride and responsibility within our neighborhood. Whether you're looking to enjoy vibrant music, delicious food, and unique local culture, or get your hands dirty in a positive way by helping clean up our streets, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details of our two upcoming events: the Street Fest and Litter Picking!

Street Fest: A Celebration of Local Culture and Fun

Mark your calendars, because Street Fest is just around the corner! This event is all about celebrating the rich and diverse culture of our community. Whether you’re a long-time local or a newcomer, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in everything that makes our neighborhood vibrant. The Street Fest is a chance for families, friends, and visitors to gather, enjoy fantastic entertainment, and support local artists and businesses.

What to Expect at Street Fest: TBC

Street Food: You won’t go hungry at the Street Fest! With an impressive selection of food vendors offering mouthwatering dishes, there’s no need to worry about bringing snacks. Whether you’re in the mood for juicy burgers, spicy tacos, or decadent desserts, we’ve got it all covered. Plus, we’ve got options for those with dietary restrictions—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options will all be available!
Fun for the Whole Family: It’s not just about the food and music—it’s about creating memories with your loved ones. For kids, there will be a variety of games, arts and crafts booths, face painting, and exciting performances. Watch as your little ones create their own masterpieces at the craft stations or enjoy the lively puppet shows and street performances. Parents can relax and enjoy the live music while knowing their kids are having a blast with friends. It’s an event for all ages!
Community Spirit & Connection: The Street Fest is all about fostering a sense of community. It’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, support local businesses, and celebrate what makes our neighborhood special. With so many activities and opportunities for connection, you’ll leave feeling more connected to the people and places around you.

So, gather your friends, bring your family, and join us for a day full of joy, music, delicious food, and great company. The Street Fest is free to attend, but we encourage donations to help fund future community events. Don't forget to wear your dancing shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready for a fun-filled day in the heart of our community!

Litter Picking: Let’s Keep Our Streets Clean and Beautiful

While the Street Fest will be a day of fun and celebration, we’re also focused on maintaining the beauty of our community. That’s why we’re organizing a Litter Picking event to make sure our streets, parks, and public spaces stay pristine. Together, we can reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and ensure our environment remains clean and welcoming for everyone. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to make a direct and meaningful difference in our neighborhood.

Why Should You Participate?

A Cleaner Environment for All: Litter not only looks unsightly, but it also harms wildlife and the environment. By picking up trash and waste from our streets and parks, we’re helping reduce pollution, which can improve the overall health of our local ecosystem. A clean environment contributes to better air and water quality, and provides a more enjoyable experience for everyone who lives, works, and plays in our community.
Building a Stronger, More Connected Community: There’s no better way to build a sense of community than by working together toward a common goal. When we come together to clean our shared spaces, we strengthen our bonds and create a sense of pride in the place we call home. It’s also a chance to meet new neighbors and make lasting friendships as you work side by side to improve your community.
Sense of Accomplishment and Personal Satisfaction: There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from seeing the immediate impact of your efforts. Whether you’re helping clean up a local park, collecting trash along the sidewalk, or picking up litter near a busy street, your work will be directly visible. When we all pitch in, we make our community a cleaner and healthier place to live. Plus, you’ll feel proud knowing you contributed to making our shared spaces more beautiful.
Everything You Need Provided: We’ve got you covered! All participants will be provided with gloves, trash bags, and litter grabbers to help make the cleanup process easier. You won’t need to bring any special equipment, just a positive attitude and a willingness to help. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate and that the event is enjoyable for all.
Making a Lasting Impact: This event isn’t just about cleaning up for the day—it’s about creating lasting change. The more people who participate, the more impact we will have. Together, we can continue to reduce litter and maintain the beauty of our neighborhood for years to come.

So, join us for the Litter Picking event, and let’s make a difference. Together, we’ll be able to leave our streets, parks, and public spaces cleaner, safer, and more inviting for everyone who lives and visits our community.

Event Details: TBC

Street Fest
Date:
Time:
Location:
Litter Picking
Date:
Time:
Location:

Join Us and Get Involved!

There’s no better way to connect with your community, enjoy fantastic local culture, and make a positive impact than by participating in these two incredible events. Whether you’re dancing at the Street Fest or picking up litter with your neighbors, your involvement will help make our neighborhood a better place to live, work, and play. We hope to see you there!

#StreetFest #CommunityCelebration #SupportLocalArtists #LiveMusic #FoodTrucks #LocalCulture #FamilyFun #StreetFood #CommunitySpirit #LitterPicking #CleanStreets #EnvironmentalImpact #NeighborhoodPride #VolunteerForChange #CleanerCommunity #GreenNeighborhood #MakingADifference #GetInvolved #JoinTheFun

🗑️ No Litter Picking This Month – But We’ll Be Back Soon! 🌿

🗑️ No Litter Picking This Month – But We’ll Be Back Soon! 🌿

Hello Ongar community!

We hope this message finds you well and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of our lovely neighbourhood. As you may have noticed, there will be no organised litter picking this month, but don’t worry – we’re already planning our next clean-up day, and we’d love to see you there!

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to do their bit by keeping an eye out for litter on your walks. Even picking up one or two pieces helps make a massive difference. Together, we’re keeping Ongar beautiful – one wrapper at a time.

📅 Next litter pick: Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for the upcoming date announcement. We promise there’ll be fresh bags, plenty of good craic, and maybe even a cuppa afterwards!

Your involvement, whether big or small, is what makes our Tidy Towns efforts such a success. 💚

👉 Want to support our work?
You can now donate to Ongar Tidy Towns and help us keep the lights on, buy equipment, and support ongoing beautification projects across Ongar. Every cent counts – thank you!

🔗 Click here to donate via iDonate

#OngarTidyTowns #KeepOngarBeautiful #LoveWhereYouLive #VolunteerIreland #CommunitySpirit #CleanUpIreland #GreenFuture #LitterFreeOngar #IrishVolunteers #TidyTownsPride

Thanks for being part of the movement – we can’t wait to see you at the next pick!

– Ongar Tidy Towns Committee

Make It Rain – Ongar Tidy Towns Say Thank You

Make It Rain – Ongar Tidy Towns Say Thank You

Chapter 1: The Dry Days

The Ongar skies remained still, unstirred, silent — too silent. No cloud could be seen, no whisper of air to rustle the leaves. For days, then weeks, the sun blazed across our town with unrelenting persistence, providing warmth, yes, but not water. It was the sort of drought that insidiously seeped in, making its presence known only with brutal effect. Lawns turned from lush green to wispy straw. The ground cracked, tight with thirst. New plantings, tenderly planted by volunteers and children, started to wither under the furnace-like heat.

The plants weren't the only ones who sensed it. The entire community could feel it. Our tender patches of green, the ones that we worked so tirelessly to preserve, paused, as if out of discomfort. Otherwise teeming with buzzing insects and bursts of colourful blooms, they remained still, spent. We watered where they would let us, early morning, late night, attempting to make each droplet count. Still, each of us knew well enough: it wasn't enough. Nature required something the skies alone could offer.

Chapter 2: Hope in Action

But Ongar does not give up. In the time of drought, Ongar Tidy Towns people did as they always do -- they rolled up their sleeves and carried on. Armed with watering can and sun hat, volunteers turned up day after day, determined not to let the drought get the better of them. We knew the flowers needed us, but most importantly, we knew that the town needed to know that we weren't giving up.

From the youngest volunteers to the most experienced gardeners, there was a common commitment behind each action. Children helped refill buckets, groups of families adopted flowerbeds to nurture, neighbors shared tips on how to salvage struggling blooms. Local shops donated water and materials. There was even a sense of optimism within the watering itself -- a sense of belief that if we tended enough, the rain would arrive.

There is something wonderful about human nature: choosing to do the caring thing, even where the circumstances are not perfect. It is the same heart that makes Ongar prosper, regardless of the weather.

Chapter 3: Cracks within the Earth, Strength within the Community

By the third week, the evidence of stress was unmissable. Once proud-looking neighborhood gardens wilted. Edges of leaves curled up. Petals had fallen too early. Soil, normally soft and welcoming, had turned stiff and cracked, a constant reminder that we had a waiting game on our hands with the sky.

And still, the neighborhood exhibited its resilience. Rather than turning inward, neighbors turned outward. “Do you need water?” was a more frequently asked question than “How are you?” Someone left a hose out for public beds. Another shared mulch so the earth could retain water. Each action, no matter how insignificant, contributed to something greater.

Even in the adversity, the town was flourishing -- not traditionally, perhaps, but through kindness, bond, and cooperation. We weren't planting seeds, so much as nurturing one another. And during that time, you could sense something truly remarkable taking root.

Chapter 4: The First Drops

It came quietly, as things of consequence often do. A gentle breeze stirred up one night. The sky changed, no longer the unforgiving blue that we had grown accustomed to, but one that was gentler. And then, suddenly, the first droplet. Only one. Then another. And then, as of cue, the sky opened.

The rain came down not as a storm nor a deluge, but rather as the gentle, steady beat gardeners wish for. It brushed the petals. It watered the roots. It cascaded down the gutters and congealed on the sides of flowerbeds like a welcome visitor coming home after a long time.

The following morning, one could see the difference. Plants grew taller. Colours had a depth. The ground, once crunchy, was once again rich and dark. Birds even sang a tad bit louder, as if in celebration with us. It was not only a matter of hydration, though - it was one of renewal. Rain revived everything, including our spirits.

Chapter 5: A Thank You from the Ground Up

And so here we are, taking a stroll through green, cheerful Ongar. The flowers are blooming once more. The community plots have returned, ablaze with colour, as full of promise as ever. There are splashes on the pavements, the best sort - the ones that mirror the sky and tempt the children to splash. It is a new beginning.

And this post, it is our thank you.

Thank you to the skies, for finally unfolding. Thank you to nature, for reminding us that even through drought, there is always quietly advancing preparation for blooms. But above all, thank you to our volunteers, neighbors, friends, and loved ones who didn't wait for rain to make the effort. You came, persisted, and demonstrated that the greatest root of all is where you find it in yourselves.

This was not something that changed the weather, though. It was a reminder that all of our efforts count. That where there is care, resilience builds. And that the best things, such as rain, arrive unannounced, though often we need them most.

Let it rain, and let's grow together.

#OngarTidyTowns #MakeItRain #ThankYouRain #CommunityRoots #TogetherWeGrow #UrbanGreenery #LocalVolunteers #FromDryToThrive #LetItRain #GratefulForRain

🌼 Happy Easter wishes from Ongar Tidy Towns!

🌼 Happy Easter wishes from Ongar Tidy Towns!

As spring awakens our environment anew, all of us from Ongar Tidy Towns would like to pause for a moment to wish our lovely community a Happy Easter!

Easter is a time for hope, new beginnings, and fresh starts—values that align perfectly with our vision of continuing to make Ongar the best it can be. No matter how small, every effort counts: planting flowers, coordinating clean-up days, or a simple pick-up of discarded rubbish on your morning stroll. Together, it all contributes toward a cleaner, greener, and livelier place for all of us.

We are so proud of all that we have done so far together, and are eager for the rest of the year. But as a volunteer organization, our work is made possible thanks to the support of wonderful people like you.

🌟 Ways You Can Contribute This Easter

This year, we want you to be a part of something worthwhile. Your donation, however big or small, will go directly into projects that make our environment better, from planting and maintenance work through educational campaigns and events.

💚 Donate to support us through our iDonate page:

👉 https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/OngarTidyTowns

Every Euro counts in assisting us in our goal of a cleaner, greener Ongar for all.

🙌 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

To our volunteers, donors, and neighbours—thank you. Your generosity, time, and donations bring the power of community to life. Together, we’re not simply cleaning up a town—we’re building pride, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Enjoy a wonderful Easter with happiness, love, and chocolate!

#HappyEaster #OngarTidyTowns #CommunitySpirit #SupportLocal #iDonate #TidyTowns #LoveWhereYouLive #SpringClean #TogetherWeCan #OngarCommunity #EcoFriendlyLiving #VolunteerPower

Wednesday, 16 April 2025

Litter Picking Man!

Not available in the shops