Aptus employee praised by Wigan councillor for community litter picking

Aptus recently announced plans to start regular litter picks as one of our Green Campaign initiatives. This will be supported by employee and Aptus Green Team member Jack Berry who will be coordinating sessions close to head office in Westhoughton.

Jack has been going above and beyond in his personal crusade on litter outside of work in his efforts to make his hometown of Wigan tidy.

Jack, who is training to be a health and safety adviser in Aptus’ HSQE department after graduating as an apprentice, joined the Wigan Litter Pickers on Facebook earlier this year. Jack aims to litter pick every other day and meets up with fellow litter pickers on weekends to tackle what he calls ‘litter hotspots’.

As well contacting the council to request litter picks, bags and gloves for the sessions Jack also reached out to Wigan Councillor Phyllis Cullen to arrange for a skip to be delivered to a fly tipping trouble spot.

Cllr Cullen praised Jack’s efforts, commenting: “I was absolutely amazed to find out Jack was only 19-years-old and he had used his own initiative to try to clean up the environment in various locations of the borough, he really is an inspiration to our young people.

“Jack and his team have moved a considerable amount of dog bags that were thrown behind telephone cable boxes in the streets, Jack even went out on a litter pick when we had rain showers. I personally think he is a phenomenal young man and feel proud to know this young man lives on our local Ward.”

Jack said: “Fly tippers and litterers make me feel annoyed as it shows that they have a disregard for the environment and the wildlife who have a habitat within the community.

“They also have a disregard for the risks that come with littering and fly tipping, which can be a health hazard when it comes to cleaning it up and also poses a risk to the wildlife.

“There have been cases where I have been back to find certain streets are littered again but it only motivates me even more to keep on top of it.”

Jack recently joined the Aptus Green Team who will be championing the company’s Green Campaign which aims to drive environmental initiatives across the business.

Aptus launched the litter picking campaign during the Great British Spring Clean which is run by Keep Britain Tidy each year to promote litter picking, end waste and create great places for everyone.

Published on 16th June 2021