World Cleanup Day, a global event aimed at combating litter and waste pollution, is a cause that resonates deeply with ISKCON’s values of environmental stewardship. The ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI) is calling on our temples, congregation members, temple devotees, youth groups, and nama hatta groups worldwide to participate according to their capacity, reinforcing our shared responsibility towards Mother Earth. 

“As we all know, the Earth, Mother Bhumi, is suffering due to irresponsible actions of individuals, communities, and corporations,” said Shyamananda Krishna Das, IEI Australia-Pacific Coordinator. “While our small efforts may seem to be of limited impact, collectively, we can make a difference. This effort will also help raise awareness in the Vaishnava communities and others about the need to respect the Earth and ultimately understand that everything in the universe ‘is owned and controlled by the Lord.’ (Sri Isopanishad).”

The annual World Cleanup Day encourages communities, organizations, and individuals to organize or join local cleanup events. Originating as a small initiative in Estonia in 2008, it has evolved into a global movement, with millions of volunteers participating worldwide. It is coordinated by the Let’s Do It World NGO, an international organization with headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia. It is supported by a wide range of organizations, including some UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and this year, it was declared an official UN Day. Although World Cleanup Day is set for Friday, September 20, the ISKCON Environmental Initiative is encouraging ISKCON individuals and communities to participate either on that day, another day that week, or any day of their choice in September.

In honor of World Cleanup Day, volunteers come together to collect litter and clean up parks, beaches, streets, and other public spaces. The goal is not only to remove existing waste but also to raise awareness about the importance of waste management, recycling, and environmental conservation.  

“Some practical ways for devotees to participate include cleaning up areas around their own temple grounds or other parks, streets, and public spaces,” said Kamala Priya Devi Dasi, IEI European Coordinator. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to engage youth groups or plan an interfaith event with the broader community. Participation in World Cleanup Day can help educate devotees, raise awareness of the importance of waste management, and serve as an opportunity for the temple to discuss more eco-friendly practices,” she said. 

“Many ISKCON devotees are unaware of Srila Prabhupada’s example of saving energy, preserving trees, and minimizing water and food waste,” said Anuttama Dasa, IEI Co-Director. “World Cleanup Day offers us an opportunity to clean areas around our cities, farms, and temples while demonstrating our commitment to protecting the Earth, as advocated in our scriptures and exemplified by our Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.”

To register your participation, please email IEI. “We’d love you to send photos, reels, or articles about how you participated in the initiative that can be shared on social media and ISKCON News,” said Kamala Priya.

To learn more about IEI and its many resources, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Ron Lach.