As it's Sustainability Month here at Australian Sailing, we would like to highlight one of our Supported Organisations, Clean Up Australia, and their new campaign for September, the 'Great Spring Clean'.

Australians are being urged to put the “great” back in to the great outdoors and sign up for a Great Spring Clean event.

Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said many Australians are concerned about the environment but feel frustrated and unsure how to make a positive impact. “We know our country’s environmental challenges go far beyond one day and the Great Spring Clean is another chance for Aussies to do some good – to get out there and take practical action before the heat of summer hits.

“Spring cleaning our homes is an annual ritual for so many people – so we’re encouraging whole communities to get out and clean up their local environments this month,” Ms Kiernan said.

Registration is free, and participants receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves and bags and other resources, with packs for individuals, families, and community groups available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs).

Kiernan said the Australian environment was facing unprecedented pressure. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen severe bushfires, cyclones and floods, and increased pressures on our biodiversity and an ever-growing volume of waste leaking into our natural and marine environment.”

Per capita, Australia is now one of the biggest generators of single-use plastic waste – ahead of the United States. Our country's waste challenges continue to grow, and our plastic pollution problem is worsening. Australia produces 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, equating to 100 kg per person. Of this, only 13% of plastic is recovered and 84% is sent to landfill. More concerningly, around 130,000 tonnes of the plastic we consume leaks into the marine environment each year. By 2025 it is predicted that 99% of seabirds worldwide will have ingested plastic.

Clean Up Australia provides free resources and materials to communities, schools and youth groups all year round, supporting Australians everywhere clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.

WHAT: Great Spring Clean
WHEN: September 2023
WHO: Everyone is welcome – friends, family, kids, community groups, work colleagues
HOW: Register at cleanup.org.au
 

To join or register for an event click here.

To access Clean Up Australia's various resources, including a Clean Up Event Kit to get you started, click here.