Litter statistics disturbing

The Tasmanian Greens today expressed concern at figures that show that Tasmania recorded the nation’s highest rate of littering (per 1000 square metres), which is 48% higher than the national average.

Greens Environment spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP, said litter has a severe impact upon our natural environment and more needed to be done to improve our disappointing record on littering.

“Tasmania at both an administrative and community level has a responsibility to fix this problem,” said Ms O’Connor.

“The answer is simple. Do not dispose of rubbish in an irresponsible way and if you do happen to drop something, pick it up.”

“Overwhelmingly plastic has proven to be the greatest contributor to our increasingly embarrassing litter statistics, adding 2.75 litres of volume per 1000m2 in the past year.”

“Tasmania has made some positive headway by implementing the Greens’ policy of a plastic bags ban, which will come into place in November this year, but more can be done.”

“The Greens will continue to call for a state-based container deposit scheme to be introduced. These schemes are proven to dramatically reduce the amount of plastic and container litter that ends up scattered throughout the environment.”

“The impact that litter has on our environment, especially our waterways and marine environment, is in some instances crippling.”

“Ecosystems and the species within them are effectively choked by litter, which is not a naturally occurring substance.”

“Tasmania has some of the most unique and fragile ecosystems on the planet and we have a responsibility to ourselves and future generations to conserve these as best we can.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson