Littering is a phenomenon that has a lasting impact on Luxembourg’s natural spaces – including the Minett UNESCO Biosphere. In 2015, each resident of the Grand Duchy discarded an average of 1.6 kilograms of waste into nature annually.

Nearly 30% of the litter consists of metal. Beer and energy drink cans make up the largest portion of this. It is therefore all the more important that nearly all municipalities in the Minett UNESCO Biosphere Reserve take action in spring, organising voluntary clean-up campaigns in nature together with their residents.

 

Every Saturday in March, at least one municipality gets involved

The kick-off for the major clean-up operations in the region will take place on March 8. On this day, the forests of the municipality of Pétange will be cleaned, and, as every year, a big family celebration will be held for all participants after the clean-up.

Discover the “Bëschbotz” in Pétange

On Saturday, March 15, it will be Käerjeng’s turn. Volunteers will set off from three different locations to clear the waste from nature around Hautcharage, Bascharage, Clemency, and Fingig.

Find the details of the clean-up in Käerjeng here

Just two days after the beginning of spring, on March 22, “Bëschbotz” campaigns will take place in three municipalities. Differdange invites everyone to participate in one of ten nature tours. The starting point will be the former CID building on Rue Émile Mark. The city of Esch-sur-Alzette will also provide several routes, all beginning at the Town Hall Square on this day. The third municipality calling for a clean-up that Saturday is Sanem. Various starting points are planned in the four villages of the municipality.

Bëschbotz Déifferdeng – Register here

Esch-sur-Alzette – Full program for the forest cleaning

Sanem – Discover the starting points in each village

The last forest clean-up action will then take place on Saturday, March 29, in the municipality of Bettembourg. The clean-up will begin at 10 a.m. at two different locations.

Register to help out in Bettembourg

Some tips for your participation

All municipalities will provide the tools needed to remove litter from forests and natural spaces, such as garbage bags and tools for collecting trash. However, please remember to dress appropriately for the weather if you plan to participate. Sturdy shoes are always a good idea for walking in the forest. For hygienic reasons, gloves are recommended when picking up trash, and children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Finally, it is worth noting that all participating municipalities will offer volunteers a small snack at the end of the event. To help the municipalities plan the meals, it is important to register in advance with the municipality where you wish to contribute.

The Minett UNESCO Biosphere already thanks everyone who is committed to a clean natural environment in Luxembourg’s only biosphere reserve!