When you walk through the streets of Bristol, the sight of discarded wrappers, bottles and fast food containers may be all too familiar. Yet for Mark Rowlands, a determined man from Easter Compton, this isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a call to action.
In 2024, Mark collected over 700 bags of litter across the city, and this year, he’s aiming for something even bigger – one million bags. This bold initiative is more than a quest for cleanliness.
It’s a movement designed to unite the community, improve fitness and make Bristol a cleaner, greener and safer place to live. But Mark is not your typical volunteer.
In his 40s and working as a sales leader in the technology sector, he’s made it his mission to make a tangible difference to the environment and his community. But it isn’t just about picking up rubbish for him; it’s about fostering a sense of purpose, improving well-being, and inspiring others to do the same.
“I’m passionate about fitness, volunteering, adventure and personal development,” says Mark. Outside of his corporate life, he’s raised more than £50,000 for charities, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and reached Everest Base Camp. Yet it’s the simple, everyday act of litter picking that has captured his heart in a way few other causes have.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve picked up litter while I’ve been out. I just don’t like seeing it,” Mark says. His commitment is remarkable, as he found himself collecting a bag of litter even after completing his trek to Everest Base Camp in April 2024. But it wasn’t until he began tracking his progress that he realised just how much he had accomplished.
“I collected over 700 bags of rubbish in 2024. For me, it wasn’t a chore; it was something I did while walking my dog or jogging. I love the outdoors and keeping fit and healthy. It’s all about making it a personal challenge,” Mark explains.
Mark’s ultimate goal is ambitious: to fill one million bags of litter in 2025. But this isn’t just a number – it’s a bold, attention-grabbing challenge designed to inspire people across Bristol to get involved.
“One million is a bold but achievable target that captures attention and inspires action,” Mark says. “I aim to mobilise people through social media campaigns, partnerships with local schools, businesses and community groups, and using apps like Strava to create a sense of shared purpose and accountability.”
It’s not just about cleaning up the streets, though. For Mark, the challenge is also about creating a community spirit, bringing people together to share in the rewards of a cleaner, healthier city. The initiative is underpinned by the idea that litter has a profound impact on people’s sense of safety and belonging.
“Studies and observations suggest there is a correlation between disposed litter and crime rates,” Mark explains. “This phenomenon is often discussed in the context of the ‘Broken Windows Theory’, where visible signs of disorder, like litter, create an environment that promotes further neglect and disorder. If we can clean up these areas, we not only make them more inviting but also help people feel safer.”
To help track progress and encourage involvement, Mark has tapped into the power of technology. Strava, a free fitness app that tracks activities including walks and jogging, has become a vital tool for the challenge. Not only does it allow participants to log their collections, but it also gamifies the experience, turning litter-picking into a rewarding activity.
“Technology like Strava makes it easy to track progress, set goals, and connect with others,” Mark explains. “It adds a gamification element, which makes the process more fun and motivating. Plus, it’s a way of turning litter-picking into something active and healthy for your body and mind.”
For Mark, the mental health benefits of litter-picking are just as significant as the physical ones. “Litter-picking has improved my physical fitness and provided a mental boost. Spending time outdoors and contributing to a meaningful cause is a form of mindfulness for me,” he shares. It’s a sentiment he believes others can relate to, especially as the pace of modern life can leave many feeling disconnected.
“Small, consistent actions like litter-picking can have a profound impact on physical and mental health,” Mark says. “It’s empowering to see the difference you’re making firsthand, and it’s also an opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air.”
The impact of Mark’s efforts is already being felt. Local families, inspired by his example, have started joining in. “Many people have shared that seeing my efforts has inspired them to pick up litter themselves,” Mark says. “One local family now goes on weekly litter-picking walks, which has strengthened their bond.”
But the challenge is bigger than just cleaning up the streets. Mark sees it as an opportunity to unite communities and create a shared sense of pride. “It’ll make Bristol cleaner and more inviting, while fostering a sense of collective responsibility among residents. The initiative also brings people together, creating opportunities for social interaction, collaboration and improved health.”
Of course, no mission is without its challenges. Mark has faced the usual hurdles – unpredictable weather, the difficulty of finding suitable disposal options for large items – and the occasional run-in with those who might not fully understand his dedication.
“I’ve had a surprising moment being shouted at by an old man in St Paul’s for the amount of litter in the area,” Mark recalls with a chuckle. “It was a funny moment, and we both shared a laugh when I explained that I didn’t work for the council.”
However, Mark believes that these challenges only reinforce the importance of the One Million Bags challenge. The initiative helps people see the connection between their environment and their well-being, encouraging them to take ownership of their surroundings.
“Cleaner environments can positively impact property values,” Mark points out. “By participating in this challenge, you’re not just picking up litter – you’re contributing to a healthier, safer and more vibrant community.”
Mark’s vision for 2025 is for a cleaner, greener and more connected Bristol. But success for him goes beyond reaching one million bags. “Success isn’t just hitting the target. It’s about inspiring lasting change in our communities,” he explains. “Small actions, when multiplied by many, can lead to extraordinary change. We all have the power to make a difference in our communities and beyond.”
As Mark continues to lead the charge, he hopes his story will inspire others – both in Bristol and beyond – to get outdoors, live healthier lives, and take pride in their communities. “I hope it inspires people to realise the collective power of small, consistent actions.”
For anyone wanting to get involved, Mark makes it easy. Simply download the Strava app, join the “One Million Bags Challenge” group, and start logging your litter collections. “Every single bag counts,” he says.