CLEAN UP DAY COMES OF AGE, 18 YEARS OLD AND NEW RESEARCH FINDS STILL IMPORTANT
Media release 24 February, 2007
Clean Up Day comes of age, 18 years old and new research finds still important
Almost nine out of 10 Australians believe Clean Up Australia Day plays a vital role in protecting the environment, new research has found on the eve of the event ‘coming of age and turning 18 years old.
A national Newspoll survey has also found that a 10-cent refund for returning a used drink can or bottle would be such a popular scheme across Australia that it would encourage many more people to recycle and help reduce the large amounts of rubbish collected by volunteers on Clean Up Australia Day.
The Newspoll research found that as Clean Up Australia Day turns 18 this year and ‘comes of age’, 14 million out of the 16 million adults across the country believe that Clean Up Australia Day delivers a significant environmental benefit. 87% per cent of people believe it plays an important role in protecting the environment.
“Six out of the 10 most common types of rubbish found on Clean Up Australia Day last year were recyclable, including drink cans and bottles, and it has been a similar story since the event started 18 years ago,” Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said.
“Let’s bring back the seventies, when cash for cans was hugely popular and community organisations could raise badly needed funds by setting up collection depots. It’s a win-win for the environment and the economy.”
Improving recycling rates would also help each NSW household reduce the almost one tonne (0.9 tonne) of greenhouse gas emissions they produce each year by sending waste to landfill, Mr Kiernan said.
“A refund scheme in South Australia has proven its worth and if run together with the kerbside recycling councils offer there would be a big change to what turns up year after year in our waterways, parks and roadsides.”
The Newspoll research also found that 88% per cent of people thought that companies that make drink cans and bottles should help set up a refund scheme.
Mr Kiernan said it was clear the community wants more action to improve the health of the environment and the tools they need to act are available online at www.cleanup.org.au or by calling 1800 282 329.
For further information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656