High res photos of Laura Wells holding 10c lying amidst cans and plastic bottles OR her own #trashyselfie available for download and publication here.
The Boomerang Alliance, consisting of 27 environment groups including Greenpeace, Clean Up Australia and the Total Environment Centre, are calling on state and federal governments to introduce a cash for containers scheme. The Alliance will use the most compelling #trashyselfies 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.”
Mr Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia said:
“For the first time in 20 years beverage containers have outstripped cigarette butts as the top rubbish item nationally, making up 36 per cent of all rubbish.
“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.
“The momentum for a 10c Cash for Container recycling scheme in Australia has never been greater.
“Victorian Premier Denis Napthine continues to express his support for a cash for containers scheme, NSW Government backbenchers are behind it and Tasmania is undertaking a cost-benefit analysis.
“South Australia boasts a recycling rate for beverage containers of 80 per cent which is double the national average and in the Northern Territory recycling rates have trebled since its introduction.
“Recycling companies have vowed to invest $500 million and create 3,500 new jobs if cash for containers was brought in nationally.” Note 1.
For more information: Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104
0432 332 104, alison.orme@greenpeace.org
For more information about the #trashyselfie campaign visit www.stoptrashingaustralia.org
Clean Up Australia 2013 National Rubbish Report: http://www.cleanup.org.au/files/2013-national.pdf
Note 1: http://www.revive-recycling.com.au/Revive%20Media%20Release%209-4-13.pdf