In June 2018, Oly Rush found himself on a Dorset beach surrounded by plastic pollution. What began as picking up one bag sparked a movement that now spans over 25 schools, 4,000 kilograms of collected waste, and a remarkable 261-mile swim to raise awareness about ocean plastics.
- Started by one person’s single beach cleanup in 2018
- Engages over 1,000 children through 25+ school visits
- Oly Rush has completed record-breaking swims to spotlight plastic pollution
What happened
Oly Rush, a plasterer by trade, took a rare day off in June 2018 to clear his mind by the Dorset coast. Instead of surf, he found plastic debris at Chapman’s Pool and decided to collect it. This moment sparked Project Planet Earth, a charity dedicated to reducing plastic pollution through community involvement and education.
Since then, Oly regularly returns to the beach, organizes cleanups along the South Coast, and has helped gather over 4,000 kilograms of rubbish. He has also visited more than 25 primary schools, teaching children about the impact of plastic pollution and encouraging sustainable habits from an early age.
Why it feels good
Project Planet Earth focuses on what individuals can do locally rather than overwhelming people with the enormity of ocean plastic pollution. By empowering children and communities to participate in beach cleans and educational sessions, the charity turns abstract numbers into real-world actions and hope.
Oly's endurance swims further amplify this message. Covering distances like 261 miles, these feats capture attention and spark conversations about how even a single person can contribute to ocean conservation. The charity’s creative projects—like a plastic bottle Loch Ness Monster—engage audiences in ways traditional awareness campaigns often cannot.
What to enjoy or watch next
Oly Rush continues to swim remarkable distances including around the Isle of Wight and the Jurassic Coast. Future swims promise to raise even more awareness and support for ocean health. For those inspired by his story, joining local beach cleans or encouraging schools to invite Project Planet Earth for visits can make a tangible difference.
The charity’s approach shows how individual action scales into community change. Families and educators looking to inspire young people on environmental stewardship can follow the charity’s growing outreach and creative campaigns, proving that protecting our oceans is both vital and accessible.