With Clean Up Australia Day just around the corner, there is no better time than to take the pledge and look after our environment.
Single-use disposable items, such as coffee cups, food packaging, masks and sanitised wipes, still pose a massive threat, polluting parks, bushland, streets and beaches.
Research shows that more than 1 in 3 (34%) Australian households self-identified as producing more packaging waste, compared to previous years. This derives from lockdown periods and restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As such, more than 1 in 2 (55%) reported they are more concerned about product packaging and waste than they were in 2019.
Hosted on the first Sunday in March, Clean Up Australia Day inspires and empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to clean up, fix up and conserve the environment. Started 30 years ago, the initiative aims to make a difference and has since grown into the nation’s largest community-based environmental event.
Materials Handling takes part in the Business Clean Up Australia Day on Tuesday, 2 March.
Clean Up Australia Chairman, Pip Kiernan spoke about the event in 2021 and how it’s important for all Australians to take the pledge to Step Up and Clean Up, which is the events overarching mission.
“This year has seen disruption to our lives, not least of all to our local environments which have been impacted by increased uptake of single-use, disposable items,” said Ms Kiernan.
“We know Australians everywhere are itching to get involved… Indeed, it’s never been more important to get involved and make a real difference… By planning ahead and signing up to a Clean Up event, you are making a pledge to help conserve the environment for the long-term future and taking an important action by stepping up for your community.”
In response to the everchanging COVID-19 pandemic, additional conditions will be put in place to ensure the health and safety of all volunteers who take part in the event. This includes setting limits per event and Clean-Up kits with QR registration codes, hand sanitiser, gloves and plus bags for every participant.
Volunteers clean up on Clean Up Australia Day. Photo Credit: Tim Levy.
That being said, we are reminded that Clean Up Australia Day isn’t just a one-day affair; with environmental action encouraged every day of the year.
“Stepping Up to Clean Up goes well beyond one day. It’s an ongoing commitment to protecting our environment and looking for ways to help live more sustainably 365 days a year,” said Ms Kiernan.
“Most recently, the 2025 National Packaging Targets set a clear path and open ambition for all Australians to choose a sustainable pathway for our future, which included targets for 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging, so the time to get involved is now – for both Clean Up Australia Day 2021 and well beyond.”
Clean Up Australia Day will be held on Sunday, 7 March 2021 with Business Clean Up Day’s on Tuesday, 2 March 2021 and Schools Clean Up Day on Friday, 5 March 2021.
For those wanting to join the initiative, Clean Up Australia events are happening across the nation and more information can be found via the Clean Up website. Alternatively, consider donating to the cause, which will go straight to educational resources and clean up materials.
Other ways community members can get involved is by shopping their ‘Buy Recycled Collections’, which showcases products and packaging made from recycled content, extending the life of resources, and reducing the need to extract new ones from our precious planet.
Resources:
* Quantum Market Research, Pact Group Community Attitudes to Waste and Recycling Report, July 2020
** Our Packaging Future: A Collective Impact Framework to achieve the 2025 national packaging targets. April 2020
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