In her blog, Rina reflects on the success of this year’s World Clean Up Day in Groningen. She takes us along for the ride - literally - as the Green Office team and volunteers hit the city’s canals, armed with nets and plenty of enthusiasm. With humor and a sense of community spirit, Rina reflects on the variety of litter uncovered and emphasizes the importance of collective action in building a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

World Clean Up Day has come and gone, and I think I can speak for everyone who was there when I say that this year’s event in Groningen was a huge success! At the Green Office, making a positive impact is part of the daily agenda, naturally. But on this special day, the team hit the Groningen waters. Together with an eager crew of volunteers, we spent the day fishing litter out of Groningen’s beautiful city canals; armed with nets, trash bags, and a boatload of enthusiasm.

Initially, we had pictured ourselves on a bright orange rescue sloop, proper adventure style (you get the vision). But as with any adventure, plans change. Unfortunately, we had to go with a slightly more practical choice but ended up with a boat that turned out to be a perfect fit for our mission. Big thanks to De Borrelvloot for that!

So with plenty of space for the crew, we set sail to catch any trash lurking just below the surface. Looking at the canals from the water level definitely gives you a whole new perspective. It’s crazy how much trash blends in along the water's edge, practically invisible until you’re right up next to it. Admittedly, I was a little disappointed that we did not find any hidden treasures (or any of my stolen bikes), but we did manage to collect a surprising amount of trash. And seeing what we can achieve when local businesses, volunteers, and communities come together with a shared goal, was truly inspiring.

But World Clean Up Day is so much more than just a “feel good” moment. It’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to keep the environment clean. Whether big or small, every effort counts toward creating a healthier, more sustainable world. Just like every bit of trash we removed from the canals that day, has brought us closer to a cleaner Groningen, one net full at a time.

Call me crazy, but was it a coincidence that Groningen rewarded us with a weekend full of sunshine? I don’t think so.

A huge thank you to the Green Office, De Borrelvloot, the collaboration with Buurtvereniging A-kwartier, and all the amazing volunteers who made this day such a success. Together, we made a real impact, and I look forward to continuing our work toward a greener future. Here’s to more collaborations, cleaner canals, and a brighter tomorrow!

Hello! My name is Rina, I’m 23, and I’m doing a Research Master’s in Epidemiology, focusing on health systems and prevention. I care about our planet and the people on it, and as an intern at the Green Office, I’ve found a meaningful way to connect health and sustainability. Admittedly, blogging is new to me, but I’m excited to share my experiences in and around the Green Office with you. Hopefully, this can inspire you to take small steps toward caring for the environment, even if it’s something new for you too!