New Zealand is leading more than fifty countries partaking in a global day-of-action against plastic, starting at 9am this morning.

The global campaign called for groups to show support by writing "Clean Planet" (in the local language) in iconic parts of their country and sharing the photos on a global scale.

Plastics campaign group The Kiwi Bottle Drive were the first group to share their images with the world, launching at 9am, showing photos from Piha beach, where campaigners spelt "Clean Paptūānuku" on the sand.

The Kiwi Bottle Drive is calling for the introduction of a bottle deposit scheme, which the group say would significantly boost New Zealand's recycling rates as well as decreasing litter and providing funding for community groups.

Plastics campaigner Holly Dove says:

“We cannot afford to landfill and litter any more plastic bottles and cans – the world is at its limit. If we had a bottle deposit system here in New Zealand we’d triple our recycling rates, clean up our beaches and communities and provide much-needed fundraising for local community groups. Bottle deposits are a win/win for planet and people and we need a system here in New Zealand now.”

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