Press release – 28 February, 2014With Clean Up Australia Day tomorrow (Sunday 2 March), the Boomerang Alliance, consisting of 27 environment groups including Clean Up Australia, Greenpeace and the Total Environment Centre, are calling on state and federal governments to introduce a Cash for Containers recycling scheme.The
Boomerang Alliance
is also encouraging people to take a #trashyselfie as part of the campaign to pressure State governments to get on board.
Mr Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia said, “For the first time ever beverage containers have outstripped cigarette butts as the top rubbish item nationally, making up 36 per cent of all rubbish.[1]
“Polling shows 84 per cent of Australians are thirsty for a national Cash for Containers scheme but only South Australia and the Northern Territory have them.”
Mr Jeff Angel, Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance said, “There’s significant momentum in support of a 10c Cash for Container recycling scheme in Australia.
“Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has been vocal in support of a Cash for Containers scheme, some NSW Government backbenchers are backing it and Tasmania is investigating its cost-benefits.
“What’s clear is that Cash for Containers works – South Australia recycles its beverage containers at double the national average at 80 per cent.
“Our environment and our economy will reap the benefits. Recycling companies have vowed to invest $500 million and create 3,500 new jobs if a national Cash for Containers was introduced.”[2]
The Boomerang Alliance is asking Australians to take a #trashyselfie of themselves holding used bottles and cans as part of Clean Up Australia Day, for a
social media campaign
aimed at State Premiers. The most compelling #trashyselfies will be used in a targeted advertising campaign.
Ms Laura Wells, Australia’s leading plus-sized model who has a degree in environmental science and law said, “The number one item tossed away as rubbish is beverage containers which can be recycled.
“Australians litter and throw into landfill the equivalent of around 15,000 bottles and cans every minute – totalling more than 8 billion per year.
“Beverage container recycling schemes, which already exist in South Australia and the Northern Territory, show how simple but effective they are in reducing litter in our parks, oceans and rivers.
“Clean Up Australia Day provides people with a great opportunity to use their #trashyselfie to call on State Premiers to make Cash for Containers a reality across the nation.”
For more information and interviews:
Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104
Photos:
High res photos of environmental scientist and top model Laura Wells holding 10c lying amidst cans and plastic bottles OR her own #trashyselfie available for download here: http://tiny.cc/tzbrbx.
[1] Clean Up Australia 2013 National Rubbish Report: http://www.cleanup.org.au/files/2013-national.pdf
[2] http://www.revive-recycling.com.au/Revive%20Media%20Release%209-4-13.pdf