TAKE LONGER VIEW TO CLEANING UP NATION
WORKERS across the nation may have kicked off this year’s Clean Up Australia activities last Tuesday but they are urged to take a longer view and help make lasting changes.
Business Clean Up Day was held on March 2, ahead of Schools Clean Up Day yesterday, and the nation’s largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day, is to be held tomorrow.
Thousands of volunteers take part in the annual events to clean up rubbish strewn in their communities.
But Clean Up Australia’s focus is as much on preventing rubbish entering our environment as it is on removing what has already accumulated.
Clean Up Australia chair Pip Kiernan says in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the use of single-use plastics and disposable items in the workplace, such as takeaway coffee cups, food packaging, masks, and sanitised wipes. All of these are polluting parks, bushland, streets, waterways, and beaches.
Kiernan says now is a great time for workers and businesses to refocus and demonstrate local and industry leadership by tackling waste issues.
“This year, we want Australian businesses to step up and think about the positive changes they can make for the environment every day, whether that’s reducing single-use plastics, using packaging with recycled content or reviewing procurement policies – every small change helps,” she says.
“Of course, anyone who is unable to join a Clean Up this year can Step Up by donating to help us all year round.”
All funds raised through Step Up are used to provide free resources and clean up materials to schools, youth groups and community organisations.
Clean Up events can still be organised to be held on any day of the year.