Australia’s Coming Clean And Reducing Litter
It doesn’t take a lot to realise that there is a waste problem in Australia and around the world. All you need to do is walk down the street, take a stroll on the beach or in a park and undoubtedly you will come across pieces of litter carelessly thrown away.
Thankfully there are a number of concerned citizens determined to reducing litter and make it a thing of the past.
Brisbane City Council has been working towards the Keep Australia Beautiful National Sustainable Cities Award. These have the goal of encouraging, motivating and celebrating the sustainability of the country’s urban communities. Brisbane is one of the finalists for this year.
There are many environmental projects happening in the city. For example, in 2009 a Litter Prevention Strategy and Action Plan was implemented and since then, there has been an over 50 per cent reduction in on-ground litter in the central business district and Fortitude Valley.
As well as this, in observation surveys of littering behaviour in 2012-13, around 90 per cent of people displayed positive disposal behaviour, meaning they put their rubbish in the correct rubbish receptacle and did not leave any litter in the natural environment.
Brisbane’s environmental initiatives are being evaluated by Keep Australia Beautiful National Sustainable Cities judge, Cameron Little. Elements such as environmental innovation and protection, water conservation, energy innovation, waste management, protection of heritage and culture and many other factors are being considered.
“The Sustainable Cities Awards are highly regarded by local councils across Australia, and to achieve national Sustainable Cities title for the year is coveted and held in high esteem,” said Chris Jeffreys, general manager of the Australian Food & Grocery Councils Packaging Stewardship Forum, a sponsor of the awards.
You can do your bit towards reducing litter by eliminating single-use plastics like plastic sandwich wrap and replacing it with items like reusable sandwich wraps. As these are used time and time again, it’s less likely they’ll end up in the gutter.
