#BigCoopClean

Building on last year’s success, the theme for Co-operatives Fortnight 2016 – which runs from 18 June to 2 July – will once again be the Big Co-op Clean. Co-operatives up and down the country will be lending a hand and organising clean-ups of public spaces in their local areas.

Co-operatives Fortnight is the co-operative sector’s annual campaign, a two-week period when co-operatives of all shapes and sizes come together to encourage people to choose co-operative.

Organised by Co-operatives UK, sponsored by some of the country’s most successful co-operatives and brought to life by co-ops nationwide, Co-operatives Fortnight is the perfect time for co-operatives to showcase that they are a co-op.

Launched in 2010, Co-operatives Fortnight has gone from strength to strength. Last year the Big Co-op clean was introduced as a focused activity that co-operatives of all kinds could organise. Over 100 co-ops participated in organising clean-ups of local parks, river banks, beaches and public spaces, or encouraged their customers to clean out their cupboards and donate to foodbanks.

Gemma Lacey, Head of Sustainability and Communications at the large consumer-owned retailer, The Southern Co-operative, said:

“The Big Co-op Clean isn’t just about picking up litter; it’s about achieving more by working together. It might sound obvious, but co-operating is central to our success as a co-operative – and we are part of something much bigger happening across the UK.”
Hannah Nadim, the Chair of the Fox and Goose, a co-operative pub in West Yorkshire, added: “The 2015 Big Co-op Clean was a great opportunity for us to work with like-minded people and at the same time improve our local environment.

“While we worked we swapped ideas about community enterprises and co-operatives. All in all, a very productive and enjoyable day.”

The worker owned co-op Unicorn Grocery in Manchester also organised a Big Co-op Clean. Kellie Bubble, a director of this business, said: “Co-operatives Fortnight is always an opportunity for us to shout about how proud we are to be part of the co-operative movement, but last year is one we also truly enjoyed.

“Cleaning up a much-loved cycling and walking route in Manchester with fellow co-operators and customers was a great and satisfying experience … and a chance to chat with those passing about Co-operatives Fortnight.”

Have you seen anybody taking part in this?x