Paws On Plastic Sc051306

The charity encourages dog owners to pick up a few pieces of litter on walks to protect animals, communities & the environment. We also educate on the consequences of littering. In November 2025 we were awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour that any UK charity or voluntary group can achieve - the equivalent of an MBE. We're based in NE Scotland but have members from over 70 countries worldwide across Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky & LinkedIn removing over 42 million bits of litter annually. It is fantastic for mental health to take a simple action which only takes a minute when we are out with dogs anyway but makes an immediate, visible difference. We aim to make picking up a few bits of litter a normal part of an everyday dog walk & with over 12 million dogs in the UK alone, the potential is huge. We are keen to collaborate with all individuals, businesses and organisations who wish to protect animals, communities & the environment. Education is a key charitable aim & we visit schools, support young people looking for Duke of Edinburgh volunteering opportunities & give presentations to community groups and businesses. Paws on Plastic was founded as a social media campaign by Marion Montgomery while on long term sick leave from primary teaching. Inspired by her dogs who have always been attracted to plastic bottles & a British Council course encouraging people to create a social action around plastic pollution, she started the Paws on Plastic Facebook group simply encouraging dog owners to pick up a few pieces of litter on walks. The group grew & became a friendly, supportive community of people wishing to make a difference across the world. In September 2021 the movement became a Scottish charity which has consolidated its position & reputation in its collaborations with other organisations across Scotland, the UK & overseas. We are keen to collaborate with all who aim to protect animals, communities & the environment.