Climate change challenge for businesses

[19 January 2007 | The Centre for Volunteering]

Simple and cost-effective actions to reduce waste can help combat climate change and businesses are being urged to get involved in Business Clean Up Day on 27 February 2007.

Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said being a part of a massive community campaign to tackle growing problems such as electronic or e-waste, which is being sent to landfill at three times the rate of other general or municipal, waste will help reduce damaging greenhouse emissions.

"Toxic materials from e-waste accumulate in landfill which also leads to groundwater and soil contamination. Action to protect water supplies, improve recycling of old computers, mobile phones and other electronic waste, and limit use of plastic bags will reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Mr Kiernan said.

"Clean Up Australia is targeting businesses to get involved on February 27 because by taking action with members of their local community, they can bring about changes that ensure a healthy Australian environment now and for future generations."

Mr Kiernan said it was clear the community wants more action to improve the health of the environment and Clean Up Australia's year-round campaigns on water and waste included a wealth of information online at www.cleanup.org.au.

"Simple, easy to do actions can protect the health of our water sources and help save drinking water supplies. But we need hundreds of thousands of local businesses to get involved to help make the difference to the health of the environment."

More than 750,000 people got involved in Clean Up Australia Day Campaign 2006 and Mr Kiernan said businesses' interest in taking action to limit the impacts of climate change would help drive participation close to the million mark.

"Business Clean Up Day on February 27 is just one of the activities that we are doing throughout the year but it remains one of the simplest, most effective ways for businesses to demonstrate their responsibility to the local community and environment, drive public participation, and make a difference in just a few hours. You can get involved by visiting www.cleanup.org.au or calling 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329)."

Further Information: Nel Hasan (02) 8280 9100 or 0423 375 522

Businesses can get involved by visiting www.cleanup.org.au or calling 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329)

Business Clean Up Day (BCUD) 2006 Summary

*Please note figures are estimates based on preliminary results

BCUD Amount of Rubbish Collected (estimate)

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