Media Release: 01 September 2010
There were more cigarette butts found per 1000m² in Tasmania than any other state in Australia, according to the just released figures from the Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index.
In the 2009/2010 year, an exceptionally high 56 butts were recorded per 1000m² in Tasmania, by far the highest annual count in any state since 2005 and 47% more than anywhere else in Australia.
In an effort to improve this, Butt Free Australia is running an advertising campaign in Tasmanian newspapers to encourage smokers to take personal responsibility for the disposal of their butts.
The print advertisements carry the message “Butt littering – It’s not a good look”. They are part of Butt Free Australia’s broader campaign to raise the awareness of cigarette butt litter and its environmental consequences.
Backed by solid attitudinal and behavioural research, the cam paign launched in mid 2010 places personal responsibility at the forefront of the issue and reminds people that no matter which way you look at it butt littering is not a good look.
Butt Free Australia CEO, Wendy Jones, said she could not explain the comparatively high count in Tasmania and she hopes it was a one-off.
“We are encouraging everyone to take personal responsibility for the correct disposal of their litter, and in this instance their butt litter,” Ms Jones said.
“The use of a personal ashtray is just one way to do this and the campaign encourages people to visit www.notagoodlook.com.au to obtain one free of charge,” Ms Jones added.
Educational materials can also be downloaded from the site. A Community Service Announcement (produced in partnership with Keep Australia Beautiful National) has recently been screening in Tasmania to create awareness of butt litter.
“The Not a Good Look campaign will be even stronger in 2011,” Ms Jones said. “We are looking forward to working with local, state & territory governments, land and facility managers, stakeholders such as hoteliers and cafe owners and key community groups to tackle this very public problem at a very public level.”
ENDS
For further information or interview, please contact:
Wendy Jones - CEO Butt Free Australia m 0418 172 400 www.buttfree.org.au
For further information on the National Litter Index, visit www.kab.org.au
