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Did you know Clean Up Australia Day has become the Nation’s largest community-based environmental event?
The founder, Ian Kiernan, is an ‘average Australian bloke’, builder by trade and passionate solo yachtsman. It was during the 1987 BOC Challenge Solo Round-the-World Yacht Race, Ian witnessed first hand the effect our pollution is having in oceans globally.
Motivated to make a difference, Ian, supported by a committee of friends, co-ordinated Clean Up Sydney Harbour Day in 1989. The call inspired a group of 40,000 volunteers who participated in this first-ever event and together removed many tonnes of rubbish.
The following year the organisation set out to inspire our Nation. In 1990 an estimated 300,000 enthusiastic volunteers proved Australian’s care about the effect pollution has on the environment and so Clean Up Australia Day was born.
Clean Up The World Day began in 1993 with the full support from the United Nations Environmental ProgrammeĀ (UNEP). An estimated 30 Million volunteers in 80 countries dedicated themselves to the world first event. Since the launch dayĀ an estimated 40 Million people from 130 countries have participated and strongly believe in the campaign theme:
Our Place…Our Planet…Our Responsibility
The organisation ‘Clean Up Australia Day’, has developed into a strong voice providing the tools to communities, governments and businessesĀ sharing practical ways we can all participateĀ and assist inĀ finding solutionsĀ for sustainable living.
Yesterday, 2nd MarchĀ was the official Clean Up Australia Day 2014.
Although our group wasn’t counted with the 6361 groups who officially registered this year, we hit the beach with our buckets and picked up every piece of rubbish we walked past. Along the way, our conversations educated the children on the importance of correct rubbish disposal and we also found ourselves giving a huge ‘shout out’ about Clean Up Australia Day to all the curious passers-by.
The final tally for 2014 has been released:
– 572,400 volunteers
– 15,700 Tonnes of rubbish removed
– 7,140 sites across the country registered
Huge congratulations to all those who got involved!
Community organisations can’t have the success they do without continued support from their dedicated volunteers.
Helpful Hints for 2015
Whether you register with a group or just set out on your own, remember to:
- Slip (on a shirt), Slop (on some sunscreen), Slap (on a hat)
- TakeĀ containers for the rubbish
- Pack some gloves
A rubbish picker would have been handy but not a necessity
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Have you ever been a part ofĀ ‘Clean up Australia/World Day’?
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The Plastic Free JourneyĀ So Far…
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