Australia

Australia has cut plastic waste on its beaches by almost 30% in 6 years. Here's how

A sign on a beach that says "I'm a beach, not an enormous ashtray, ok?"

Having bins that are easier to access has helped cut coastal litter in Australia. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis, Author provided

Kathryn Willis
Marine Socioecologist, University of Tasmania
Britta Denise Hardesty
Principal Research Scientist, Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, CSIRO
Joanna Vince
Senior lecturer, University of Tasmania
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A sign from a local Australian government to encourage the public to dispose of waste properly.
These type of local government actions encourage the public to dispose of waste properly through economic incentives. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis

An infographic showing how local interventions can reduce plastic pollution in the environment.
Local interventions reduce plastic pollution in the environment. Image: The Conversation/Author supplied
A person picking up a piece of litter
We found less plastic pollution in areas encouraging participation in clean-ups. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis

A close view of common types of litter found along Australia’s coastline.
Common types of litter found along Australia’s coastline. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis
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Related topics:
AustraliaPlastics and the EnvironmentFuture of the Environment
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July 24, 2023

1:39

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