On Friday 12th July, the Capsule team got together with Ocean Bottle, Notpla, Eka Ventures, Ignition Law, and The Better Business Network to embark on a clean-up led by Thames21. Our mission? To tackle the invasive Himalayan balsam that threatens our riverbanks.
We were grateful that the sun finally decided to grace us with its presence! Here’s what we got up to…
Protecting our rivers, one plant at a time
We’ll start off by explaining the need for the clean-up in the first place. Himalayan balsam might seem innocent with its pretty pink blooms, but it’s actually a silent invader wreaking havoc. Originating from India in the 19th century, this plant has spread uncontrollably – displacing native species and destabilising our riverbanks.
Removing invasive species safeguards biodiversity and preserves natural habitats. By getting rid of Himalayan balsam, we’re restoring balance to the Thames ecosystem – allowing native flora and fauna to thrive again.
"Yesterday was great – it felt like a mindfulness exercise. Learning about Himalayan balsam was super interesting too. Sometimes these things can feel like just ticking a box, but yesterday felt truly authentic."
- Vinai Mistry, Senior Packaging Engineer at Notpla
A day of community and connection
Between pulling weeds and soaking up the sunshine, our clean-up efforts were rewarded with a tasty lunch courtesy of fellow B Corp Pow Food – a female-led home dining and catering company.
We also took a trip to the neighbouring zoo to use their facilities – catching sight of some meerkats and lemurs on the way!
"I loved meeting so many fantastic people – it’s such a great idea to have a volunteering day not just for your team, but with your clients and wider community too. I really enjoyed learning about Thames21 and their work, being active outdoors all day, the satisfaction of easily removing the crunchy Himalayan balsam, and enjoying delicious food from Pow!”
- Madelyn Postman, Community Manager at The Better Business Network
Empowering change beyond the riverbanks
Our host for the day, Thames21, isn’t just concerned with clean-ups – it’s a whole movement, encouraging communities to reclaim and cherish their surroundings. Through education, environmental improvements, pioneering research, and advocacy, Thames21 is setting the standard for sustainable river management.
The day we spent with them was a testament to their impactful work – and a great reminder of the power of collective action.
“What a fantastic day! It was a huge success. I loved connecting with members of the Capsule community while doing something good for the environment.”
- Chris Birch, Customer and Culture Lead at Capsule
The real payoff
Of course, volunteering isn’t just about giving back. It’s a life-changing experience. It boosts mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing – keeping people connected, mobile, and active.
It’s also a great way to meet new people – usually like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. And while there’s no pressure to have any professional abilities, it can also help you develop strong transferable skills that stand out on your CV.
Safe to say, giving your time can be just as rewarding for you as it is for the community. If you’re interested in joining us for one of our next events, get in touch with our team.