About Us
Learn more about our charity and our mission to protect animals, communities and the environment.
Paws on Plastic was founded by primary school teacher Marion Montgomery in the Scottish coastal town of Stonehaven.
The initiative began as a Facebook group in November 2018, revolving around the simple idea of using daily dog walks as an opportunity to pick up and recycle a few pieces of litter.
As animals are naturally inclined to investigate discarded rubbish, the group has attracted dog owners who are keen to play their part in fighting plastic pollution to prevent their furry friends from injury or illness. By removing litter members are helping to protect animals and wildlife both on land and in the sea.
“At a time when we need clean green and blue outside spaces more than ever before, Scotland is facing the prospect of a litter emergency. Without the ongoing support of individual dog walkers and community groups who are committed to cleaning up Scotland, one litter item at a time, the problem could be far worse… to those who are proud of the country we live in, join us and Paws on Plastic to help combat the problem. Together we can make a difference.” – Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The group has gained heaps of support across social media, combining positive health benefits with environmental action. This international online community, connecting dog-owners in over 70 countries, acts as a space for members to share posts and pictures of their litter picking adventures.
Paws on Plastic received official Scottish charity status in September 2021. A small group of trustees got involved to support the running and organisation of the charity.
The initiative has received prime ministerial recognition, with Marion being presented with a Point of Light Award in 2023. Marion also appeared on an episode of the Woodland Workshop on Discovery+ after being nominated by a kind member of Paws on Plastic.
Why should you support Paws on Plastic?
Protect our coastlines
Every day, plastic pollution is choking our beaches, rivers and wildlife. At Paws on Plastic, we bring together people and their dogs to take direct, visible action – removing waste before it harms animals and ecosystems.
But behind every bag of litter collected is the work that makes it all possible: organising clean-ups, supporting volunteers, providing equipment, and keeping everyone safe.
By donating to protect our coastlines, you are supporting the whole of Paws on Plastic – giving us the flexibility to act wherever we are needed most.
What your support helps us do:
- Organise and grow clean-up events
- Provide equipment like litter pickers, bags and gloves
- Support and develop our network of UK wide volunteers
- Respond to pollution hotspots
- Raise awareness and drive behaviour change
Fund the work that keeps our beaches cleaner, safer, and full of life.
Inspire the next generation
Cleaning up plastic is only part of the solution. The real change happens when we stop it reaching our environment in the first place.
Through education, outreach and community engagement, Paws on Plastic helps people understand the impact of plastic pollution and how their everyday actions can make a difference.
Whether it’s working with schools, families or local communities, we want to inspire people to care for the places they love and take action to protect them.
What your support helps us do:
- Deliver school and community workshops
- Create educational resources and toolkits
- Run outreach events and talks
- Engage young people and families in environmental action
- Encourage long-term behaviour change
Help people not just clean up plastic but stop it getting there in the first place.
Grow the movement
Paws on Plastic is powered by people and their dogs taking action in their local communities.
We have seen just how powerful that can be – but to reach more places and protect more coastline, we need to grow and support our volunteer network.
This means giving people the confidence, tools and support they need to get involved.
It also means helping more communities take ownership of their local environment.
What your support helps us do:
- Recruit and welcome new volunteers
- Train and support local coordinators
- Provide guidance and resources for clean-ups
- Expand into new areas
- Build a stronger, more connected community
Turn one person and one dog into a movement making a real difference.
