Autumn is packed with awareness days that shine a spotlight on sustainability, wellbeing and the environment. In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the key dates for your calendar, including Zero Waste Week, World Mental Health Day and Wildlife Conservation Day.
We’ve also included marketing tips to help you make the most of each awareness day, along with a selection of free-to-use images that you’re welcome to incorporate into your own content.
1st September – 30th November 2026
The autumn awareness days calendar includes key dates, including Zero Waste Week, World Mental Health Day and International Volunteer Day. We’ve also included a range of tips and prompts to help inspire your content and engage your guests along the way.
Zero Waste Week: 7th-14th September
A week-long campaign that encourages individuals and organisations to reduce the amount of waste they produce by focusing on simple actions like reducing, reusing and recycling.
MARKETING TIP: Share your own waste reduction actions throughout the week and encourage guests to get involved, from reducing single-use items to showing behind-the-scenes recycling efforts on your socials.
The Great British Beach Clean: 18th-27th September
A campaign organised by the Marine Conservation Society that brings people together across the UK to clean beaches and record the types of litter found, helping to protect marine environments and influence long-term change.
MARKETING TIP: If you’re on or near the coast, can you find a local beach clean to take part in? Share “before and after” photos on social media to show your commitment to protecting your local area.
World Car Free Day: 22nd September
A global awareness day that encourages people to leave their cars at home and explore alternative, lower-carbon ways of travelling such as walking, cycling and public transport.
MARKETING TIP: Use your website and socials to highlight how easy it is for guests to reach your business without a car. Share clear public transport routes, walking or cycling directions, and any local travel tips to make low-carbon journeys easier.
World Tourism Day: 27th September
A global day led by UN Tourism that celebrates the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value, with a growing focus on how the sector can support sustainable development.
MARKETING TIP: This is the perfect day to share your sustainability journey! Highlight where you started from, the actions you’ve taken and continue to take as a business, and show guests how staying with or visiting you contributes to a more responsible form of tourism.
No Disposable Cup Day: 4th October
A campaign that raises awareness of the environmental impact of single-use cups, and encourages individuals and businesses to switch to reusable alternatives instead.
MARKETING TIP: Promote your reuse options clearly on the day, highlight any refill stations or incentives for bringing reusable cups, and encourage guests to share their choices on social media to help normalise low-waste habits.
World Mental Health Day: 10th October
An annual awareness day focused on raising understanding of mental health issues and encouraging support, openness and action to improve mental wellbeing.
MARKETING TIP: Use the day to highlight the wellbeing support you offer your team, from flexible working and training to a strong support system if staff are experiencing difficulties. Encourage a culture of openness by sharing staff-led messages or wellbeing initiatives on your social channels.
Movember: 1st-30th November
Held throughout November every year, Movember focuses on men’s health, raising awareness of issues such as mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, while encouraging conversation and early action.
MARKETING TIP: Get the team involved in fundraising or awareness activities and encourage open conversations around men’s wellbeing. If team members are growing a moustache for the month, post daily updates of the Mo Grow!
COP31: 9th-20th November
The UN’s global climate summit brings together governments, businesses and organisations to discuss progress on climate change and negotiate international agreements to address it.
MARKETING TIP: Use COP31 as a moment to share your own climate action journey. Highlight practical steps you’re taking to reduce emissions, communicate progress against targets, and show guests and stakeholders how your business is contributing to wider climate goals.
Wildlife Conservation Day: 4th December
A day dedicated to protecting wildlife and promoting conservation efforts that safeguard biodiversity and natural habitats around the world.
MARKETING TIP: Highlight any conservation partnerships or local nature initiatives you support, and share content that helps guests better understand how they can enjoy any local wildlife responsibly during their visit.
International Volunteer Day: 5th December
A UN awareness day that recognises the contribution of volunteers worldwide and promotes the value of volunteerism in building stronger, more resilient communities.
MARKETING TIP: Use the day to shine a light on any volunteering your team have been involved in, whether it’s a local clean-up, community project or charity partnership. Share real stories and photos that show the difference it’s made and the people behind it.
