CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERN INCREASES CLEAN UP DAY ACTION
Media release 4 March 2007
Climate change concern increases Clean Up Day action
An estimated one million people across Australia have taken part in the 18th Clean Up Australia Day at more than 7000 sites across the country. Clean Up Australia Chairman also announced today a climate change pledge targeting volunteers involved to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent per year by 2010.
Community groups, individuals, schools and businesses have rallied behind the 2007 Clean Up Australia Day campaign, reflecting both an ongoing concern for the health of the environment and the need for action to combat climate change, Mr Kiernan said.
“18 years after Clean Up Australia Day started because of a need to tackle pollution problems, the even greater challenge of climate change is now driving volunteers to act year-round to not just reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions but demonstrate in huge numbers to government the need for stronger action.”
Mr Kiernan said the Clean Up our Climate pledge called on individuals to reduce their household greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 per cent each year for the next three years and was being sent to Clean Up Australia Day volunteers from today. The pledge can be made at www.cleanup.org.au.
“If the community is prepared to make a commitment then it is also important that government takes more action. Greater investment in renewable energy technologies would be a win-win for Australia’s economy and environment. The current 2 per cent renewable energy target in Australia should be raised to 10 per cent by 2010 to drive this change.”
Well over 8000 tonnes of rubbish has been collected by volunteers nationwide but Mr Kiernan said it was disappointing that six out of the 10 most common types of rubbish found on Clean Up Australia Day continue to be recyclable, including drink cans and bottles, and it has been a similar story since the event started on Sydney Harbour 18 years ago.
Improving recycling rates would help each Australian household reduce the almost one tonne (0.9 tonne) of greenhouse gas emissions they produce each year by sending waste to landfill.
Among the more unusual items found this year include a parking meter, four wallets containing 30 credit cards, half a boat and a mannequins leg. An ongoing trend is beverage containers ranking as one of the most commonly found items.
For further information: Gemma Swart, 0414 873 291
To make your pledge, click here