Great Spring Clean

July 2023

According to Pip Kiernan, the Chair of Clean Up Australia, many Australians are worried about the environment but uncertain about how to contribute positively. Kiernan believes that the country's environmental issues are not limited to one day, and the Great Spring Clean provides another opportunity for Australians to make a difference. Kiernan encourages Australians to take practical steps and participate in this initiative before summer.

Ms Kiernan is encouraging communities to participate in cleaning up their local environments next month. This annual ritual of spring cleaning our homes can be extended to include our surroundings, and it can be an excellent opportunity for people to come together and positively impact the environment.

Registration is free, and participants receive a free Clean Up kit containing gloves, bags, and other resources, with packs for individuals, families, and community groups available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs).

Kiernan said the Australian environment was facing unprecedented pressure. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen severe bushfires, cyclones and floods, and increased pressures on our biodiversity and an ever-growing volume of waste leaking into our natural and marine environment.”

Australia has become one of the largest producers of single-use plastic waste per person, surpassing even the United States. Unfortunately, our country's waste issues continue to increase, and our plastic pollution problem is worsening. Every year, Australia generates 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste, which equates to 100 kg per person. A mere 13% of this plastic is recycled, while 84% ends up in landfills. Even more alarming is the fact that approximately 130,000 tonnes of plastic from our consumption enter the marine environment annually. Experts predict that by 2025, 99% of seabirds worldwide will have ingested plastic.

Clean Up Australia offers complimentary resources and materials to communities, schools, and youth groups throughout the year, aiding Australians in cleaning up, repairing, and preserving the environment.

WHAT: Great Spring Clean

WHEN: September 2023

WHO: Everyone is welcome – friends, family, kids, community groups, work colleagues

HOW: Register at cleanup.org.au

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