MI5 has put together a squad of dedicated litter pickers

Virgin Radio

3 Aug 2021, 12:59

As the United Kingdom's counter-intelligence and security agency, MI5 is there to protect us from threats such as terrorism, espionage and sabotage, but it turns out that the security service is also concerned about environmental dangers, and it has added a new unit in an effort to reduce its impact on the environment.

An environmental committee, Team Green, has been deployed to help MI5 to reduce its carbon footprint. Team Green will volunteer to clean up parks and beauty spots. 

Sharing an update on Instagram, the security service also announced some other initiatives aimed at helping the environment, including reducing the use of plastic drinking bottles within the organisation. The post reads, “Did you know that one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute around the world? MI5 is committed to reducing its environmental impact, so every year to mark #PlasticFreeJuly we challenge our staff to reduce the amount of plastic they consume.”

The Instagram post also explains that MI5 is offering money-off incentives for staff members who drink from reusable coffee cups, and that water-efficient taps and solar panels have been installed in MI5 buildings. The taps have apparently helped to reduce water consumption by 14 percent.  

MI5 has also launched Meat-Free Mondays, whereby staff are encouraged to consider the impact that their diet can have on the environment. 

Whilst all of these measures are an excellent way of helping the environment, according to The Daily Star, one senior source said, “President Putin must be shaking in his boots.

“Can you imagine the CIA telling its enemies it has introduced meat-free Mondays?”

However, several commenters on social media have praised these initiatives. One said, “This is wonderful, protecting our planet as well as people.”

Another added, “Good to see, well done.”

Somebody else said, “Large companies are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to plastic wastage so this is a good step.”