There is still time to join a Clean Up and take action today
With just under a fortnight to go, registrations are still open for the country’s largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day 2024, set to take place on Sunday 3 March. Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia, urges all Aussies to join with their local community and take immediate practical action to protect our natural environment in the face of our nation’s growing waste challenges.
“By registering, you become an official supporter and participant of Clean Up Australia. It’s a simple action for people of all ages to play a vital role in preserving our environment for ourselves and for generations to come.” said Pip.
Clean Up Australia’s recent National Litter Report saw a growing trend of increased plastics, vapes and cigarette butts collected by Clean Up Australia volunteers which had made their way into our environment.
From the previous year’s report findings, soft plastics increased to 34%, a substantial 9% rise, while hard plastics comprised 28% of all surveyed litter, equating a 4% increase for plastics overall. Cigarette butts represented 16%, an increase from the previous year, and ranked second only to soft plastic pieces in individual items reported by volunteers, followed by beverage bottles. Vapes were collected at 22% of surveyed sites, an increase from 2022 when vapes were found on only 10% of surveyed sites.
“For every piece of litter collected, it is one less in our natural surroundings. Our recent report showed that of all litter collected by our volunteers, 44% was cleared from waterways, followed by parks and bushland at 16% and 11% respectively. The incredible efforts of our volunteers rolling up their sleeves and working together has an impact each Clean Up Australia Day but also all year round,” Pip continued.
“Get your friends, family and neighbours involved in this Clean Up Australia Day and help us make it the biggest one yet.” said Pip.
Registration is easy, and all schools and community-based participants receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves and bags and other resources, while businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs.
Register now at cleanup.org.au for
Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 3, 2024
Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday February 27, 2024 and
Schools Clean Up Day on Friday March 1, 2024
About Clean Up Australia
Founded by Ian Kiernan, AO in 1990, Clean Up Australia is one of the country’s most recognised and trusted environmental organisations, inspiring and mobilising communities to improve our environment, eliminate litter and end waste. Clean Up Australia Day is the nation’s largest community-based environmental event and more than 21 million Australians have participated in Clean Up activities since its inception.
Clean Up Australia now works with community, governments and businesses to provide practical solutions to help all Australians live more sustainably every day of the year. Today the organisation’s focus is as much on preventing litter entering our environment as it is removing what has already accumulated.
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