Litter collection volunteer group BeachPatrol Australia are calling for more volunteers to join the movement.
With collection groups in Williamstown and Altona, the groups clean local beaches to stop plastic litter entering creeks, canals, beaches or oceans.
Volunteers supporting the group’s inland arm Love Out Street focus on keeping streets and parks in their local neighbourhoods clean.
Volunteers currently span across 11 local government areas, representing 42 suburbs across the state, logging an average of 120 clean-ups per month.
Hobsons Bay volunteer Sacha Blomer said the organisation needs more volunteers to expand.
“We are on a clear mission to not only pick up litter and record it, but also to re-educate the community on the use and abuse of plastic.”
BeachPatrol Australia president Dr Ross Headifen said while they currently had a large team of volunteers determined to continue working, there is always room for more volunteers to grow the movement.
“We are coming together to not only tidy our suburbs but to reinforce our position in highlighting the need to reduce the number of single-use plastic items being used and the associated amount of litter being discarded,” he said.
“We should be filled with pride for our suburbs, beaches and streets, but it is sometimes a challenge if our open areas are tainted with litter.
“Our campaign is also a effort to raise awareness by re-educating the community that littering is just shows a lack of care for our environment.
“We all should know how to be sensible when it comes to proper rubbish disposal methods.”
The group has collected about 900,000 pieces of plastic, including tens of thousands of drink bottles, food wrappers and coffee cups.
Details: www.beachpatrol.com.au
Matthew Sims
