Media release 18 May 2007

5-point plan to tackle climate change

Easy action for World Environment Day, June 5

World Environment Day on June 5th is fast approaching and the focus for this year’s event is on climate change. Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO is urging households to take up a 5-point plan for easy action on climate change and join the global community in celebrating World Environment Day.

“Our future generations will suffer from our inaction unless steps are taken today by individuals and communities to reduce our harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Kiernan said.

“Simple steps will make a difference and if we all do this in our own homes, schools and offices, we will be able to tackle the causes of climate change.”

Clean Up Australia, which partners with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on the Clean Up the World campaign, has compiled five simple steps that everyone can easily do to help find solutions to climate change.

1. Recycle old mobiles. Your old mobile phone is made up of valuable resources and also includes a cocktail of toxins that can create an environmental hazard if dumped in landfill. It’s easy to return your unwanted phones for recycling. Simply request a Clean Up Mobile Phones pre-paid return satchel by calling 1800 282 329 or emailing mobilephones@cleanup.com.au. Clean Up Australia can also help you organise a phone collection in your office, community group or school.

2. Pledge greenhouse action. Help fight climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions at home. Go to www.cleanup.com.au and join the pledge. In five easy ways, you could cut your own greenhouse emissions by 25 per cent.

3. Plant trees. Join UNEP’s Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign and plant some trees to soak up greenhouse gases. The goal is to plant 1 billion trees worldwide by 2008. Follow the links on the Clean Up Australia website to register with the Billion Tree Campaign.

4. Save at home. Fix dripping taps to save money and precious water - one leaking tap can waste up to 2000 litres a month. Swap your light globes for energy efficient bulbs and cut your greenhouse gas emissions and running costs by up to 75 per cent.

5. Give a Green Gift. The gift that keeps on giving. Help Clean Up Australia continue its work with communities to address the impacts of climate change. A Green Gift recipient will receive a card telling them how their contribution is helping save our planet. Call 1800 282 329 for more information.

Media enquires:    Alana Mew, 0423 377 567