Many Canterbury people will be helping to clean up the world next month.

They will be taking part in the seventh an international environmental campaign, called Clean Up The World. Every year the campaign, held in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) mobilises millions of volunteers in more than 100 countries to undertake a wide range of activities.

On the weekend of September 17-19 people from around the world will remove rubbish from beaches, waterways, market places, reserves and forests.

Clean Up The World is also the catalyst for other environmental activities such as reforestation projects, educating people about the link between disease and poor, rubbish disposal, establishing compost and recycling centres, as well as staging environmental concerts, says the Christchurch City Council’s environmental promotion officer, Kerry Everingham.

Councillor Carole Evans says Keep Christchurch Beautiful, Marine Watch NZ, and the Christchurch City Council are pleased to be part of the international campaign.

"By thinking globally but acting locally we can help make a big difference to the state of the world’s environment," she says.

Christchurch schools, service clubs, sports groups, residents’ associations, youth clubs, and environmental groups will be involved in clean-ups across the city.

Activities will not be restricted to litter pick-ups, however. Some groups will be removing graffiti and others will hold working bees on waterways and reserves.

Ms Everingham says she hopes that more than the 77 groups which registered to take part last year will be exceeded this year. "We welcome people to take part in the events," she said.

Clean Up The World was the brainchild of the Australian yachtsman and builder Ian Kiernan. While competing in the BOC Challenge Solo Around-the-World Yacht Race in 1986-87, Kiernan was dismayed by the pollution he saw in the world’s oceans.

Returning to his Sydney, Australia, home he decided to do something about it and started Clean Up Sydney Harbour. In 1989 the event went national and the first Clean Up Australia Day was born.

Ian Kiernan says: "I believe individuals can make a large difference in helping solve the world’s environmental problems. The environment knows no boundaries. We share the same oceans and the same air _ which is why it is essential we all take action to improve the state of our planet, "he says.

In Christchurch, Clean Up The World is being co-ordinated by the Christchurch City Council with Keep Christchurch Beautiful Campaign, and Marine Watch NZ.