Would you like to be a part of a creative celebration of environmental consciousness today?

Head along to Mount Maunganui and get involved in a free community event using rakes to create sand art, while paying tribute to the global movement against plastic pollution.

Artists, activists, concerned citizens, families and children are invited to converge on Shark Alley at Mount Maunganui on Saturday morning from 11am - 2pm armed not only with shovels, rakes and buckets but also with a fervent determination to make a difference.

Envirohub Bay of Plenty and Rake Healing-Sand Art are joining forces today at Shark Alley which is next to Moturiki just below the Mount Maunganui Cenotaph on Marine Parade.

Witness Rake Healing's mesmerizing sand art, while raising awareness about New Zealand's upcoming single-use plastic phase out starting today July 1.

With grains of sand as the canvas, and an unwavering passion for a cleaner planet Rake Healing-Sand Art will be meticulously crafting an intricate masterpiece that will serve as a visual reminder of the urgent need to combat plastic pollution.

Spare rakes will be available, or bring your own to this free community event and help create a large labyrinth to explore.

There will be kids activities available too, so be sure to bring the young ones along.

People involved in sand art with Rake Healing-Sand Art at Shark Alley, Mount Maunganui. Photo: Rake Healing-Sand Art Facebook.

Sea shores transformed into vibrant galleries of ephemeral or transient art.is in itself a message of tuning in to the environment. This is a collective effort of dedicated individuals creating sand art to echo the profound message that the time for environmental action is now.

"Be part of this momentous occasion and embrace a greener future," says a Bay of Plenty Envirohub spokesperson.

40 Volunteer hours - 40 Bags of Rubbish

"On Sunday we head to Fergusson Park to help Chelsea and Loralei with their 40 Hour Challenge Community Clean Up!

"We invite you to help us collect 40 bags of rubbish in a total of 40 volunteer hours!"

The 40 Hour Famine Challenge Community Clean Up on Sunday July 2 will take please at 10am at Fergusson Park, Matua. It was originally due to be held during June 18-24 but had to be postponed due to weather.

Look for the gazebo at the left-hand side of the entrance of Fergusson Park.

"Drop in any time between 10 am - 2 pm on Sunday July 2 at Fergusson Park."

Some gloves and litter pickers will be provided but people are also encouraged to bring their own gloves if they have any.

"And wear closed-in shoes."

Sign up here so Emvirohub know who is coming and so they can keep in touch just in case there's a change of plan due to the weather

Chelsea Fitt says this year they are hosting a community event and running the 40 bags in 40 hours challenge.

"We will be trying to collect 40 bags full of rubbish from our community in 40 hours. We are super passionate about the environment and helping the children in Africa who need our help!

"We would love it if you could attend our cleanup if you are in the Bay of Plenty region, but if you can't, donating to the children in Africa will be just as helpful!

"Any donations whether big or small will be helpful! Every day in Malawi, 11 children under 5 die from diseases related to dirty water. Together, we can change that."

Last year, World Vision reached more than 100,000 people with clean water.

"This year, we can reach even more but we need your help."

If you would like to come to Chelsea's cleanup or want some more information about the location, date and time then please click here

If you can't make it and want to sponsor Chelsea and Loralei please find out how here