Pollution is a major problem not only in Australia but also throughout the world. However, our tiny continent has found a way to deal with it by engaging people of all ages and backgrounds in different initiatives. Such projects serve multiple goals – to raise awareness, clean up certain areas, educate others, or apply simple rules for eco-friendly and sustainable habits in their everyday life.
One of the most popular initiatives is Clean Up Australia. The project encompasses a wide variety of target groups and has accomplished impressive results throughout the years. It is worthwhile studying the initiative’s success and trying to replicate it in other places outside Australia. Keep reading to discover more.
Clean Up Australia: Background and Results
Clean Up Australia has been around for more than three decades. It is probably the largest, most renowned initiative to preserve the environment that engages individuals and communities. Over time, the project has also incorporated charity activity and has adopted a focus towards sustainable living. Nowadays, Clean Up Australia allows citizens of all ages the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of projects. Some of these include:
- Cleaning up and fixing the surrounding environment;
- Preservation of wildlife and conservation of habitats;
- Educational initiatives and awareness raising;
- Creating an infrastructure to carry out cleaning-up initiatives;
- Promoting sustainable living;
- Charity work
- And many more.
What Is the Impact of Clean Up Australia?
The numbers behind Clean Up Australia are impressive. More than 20 million Aussies have taken part in the initiative in the course of 30 + years. They have donated 38.5 million hours of volunteer time. Thus, the dream of one ordinary Australian to make a difference in our own backyards turned out to be a globally recognized initiative that has impacted our entire continent and inspired others around the world to create positive change.
Clean Up Australia: History and Evolution
An average Aussie, Ian Kiernan, can be considered the father of Clean Up Australia Day. He started small and little did he know that one day, his initiative would involve more than 20 million Australians.
So, here is how it all began. Kiernan was a keen sailor. In 1987, he completed the BOC Challenge Solo Round-the-World Yacht Race with his yacht “Spirit of Sydney.” While Kiernan had the adventure of a lifetime, he also became closely familiar with the extreme levels of pollution across the oceans.
That is how, upon his return, the sailor decided to take what he intended to be a small step towards creating a cleaner environment. Together with a group of friends, he organized a community event, which he called Clean Up Sydney Harbour.
Kiernan’s initiative enjoyed huge interest. More than 40,000 locals showed up and helped clean the harbour.
Next year, Kiernan decided to take it national, and that is how Clean Up Australia was born. The inaugurating event in 1990 attracted close to 300,000 volunteers. Over time, the number of participants has increased.
To make things better, Kiernan’s project took a global turn. In 1993, Clean Up the World launched. The pilot year attracted about 30 million in 80 countries.
How can I sign up for Clean Up Australia?
If by now you already feel like joining Clean Up Australia, you can do so easily and in no time. If you need more detailed guidance, please see the video below:
How can I contribute?
Not only is it fast and easy to join Clean Up Australia, but you can also contribute in diverse ways according to your own preferences and the locale’s needs. For instance, you can organize your own Clean Up initiative or volunteer at an already-existing site.
However, this is not all. You can involve others, too. Youth groups, businesses, schools, and other entities are welcome to join as well. As they say – the more, the merrier!
Making a Difference Together
To conclude, Clean Up Australia is the largest, most influential cleaning initiative, in which everyone can participate. Regardless if you are a child, a businessperson, an elderly person, or an organization – you can join at any time.
A great thing about Clean Up Australia is that it provides multiple support resources. To begin with, the organization’s website is extremely detailed. You can easily find existing sites you can join. If you want to register your site with the initiative, you will also receive a Clean Up Kit.
The packs come in several variations. These include:
- Individual kit
- Family kit
- Kit for up to 10 volunteers
- Kit for up to 20 volunteers
- School Kits
- Preschool & Primary School Kits
- Secondary School Kits
- Business Kits
The kits contain everything each of the target groups would need as well as letters with instructions. In addition, the Clean Up Australia representatives are also readily available in case you need further support.