September 10, 2004 For immediate release

Let’s talk RUBBISH!

It’s time to talk rubbish again! The country’s largest environmental event, Clean Up New Zealand Week, is on again from September 13 -19.

Every year New Zealander’s send 3.4 million tonnes of solid waste to the country’s landfills - almost one tonne of waste for every man, woman and child in New Zealand. Clean Up New Zealand inspires people to “take action” and last year more than 190,000 took up the challenge, including 110,000 school children. They removed an estimated 3,000 tonnes of waste from sites around New Zealand in Clean Up activities, including clearing illegal dumping sites, underwater dives, and setting up worm farms.

Juliet MacDonald, Manager of Clean Up New Zealand Trust, is delighted by the support the event is again receiving this year.

Clean Up New Zealand Week is a grassroots campaign that has taken the country by storm over the last five years,” says Ms MacDonald. “New Zealanders have really got in behind the opportunity to make a positive difference to their environment, with participation in the event growing by 714 per cent over those years.

“I am delighted with the fantastic support we have received again this year from a wide range of individuals and businesses. Cartridge World New Zealand has stepped in to support our website, www.cleanupnz.org.nz , a vital tool to allow all New Zealanders to register their activities, receive information and coordinate their activities.”

Cartridge World brings an exciting new rubbish reduction initiative to New Zealand, as every year households dump an estimated 1.2 million printer cartridges that can be refilled many times over. Cartridge World refills printer cartridges at up to 50% saving on the cost of buying a new printer cartridge, saving both our environment and our wallet.

“Councils around the country have been absolutely fantastic in providing bags and gloves, and organising and supporting local activities. Everyone has been very enthusiastic and has come to the party to make Clean Up New Zealand Week 2004 another very successful event.”

Clean Up New Zealand Week is part of Clean Up The World, an international community-based environmental programme run in conjunction with the United National Environment Programme (UNEP), which has motivated more than 40 million people annually to engage in a range of activities aimed at improving local environments.

ENDS

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