LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
About the Project
Running from 2002 to 2004, The Leave Only Footprints Project helped to reduce litter on beaches on NSW, increase awareness about the impact of litter on marine and coastal environments and change littering behaviour among communities.
In partnership with local councils on the south and central coasts of NSW, Clean Up Australia conducted the Leave Only Footprints beach litter awareness and prevention campaign over the peak summer period. The campaign, funded by the NSW Government's Litter Prevention Program, aimed to increase awareness of the threat of litter to human health, flora and fauna plus the local community by showing how we can all reduce the amount of litter on our beaches.
The first step is simply changing our behaviour and taking our rubbish home - leaving only our footprints. Through a series of local events including sand sculptures, games, outdoor theatre, signage and handouts, beaches were transformed into an open-air classroom. During the program beach users were surveyed about their understanding and appreciation of beach litter issues. The results were encouraging, with 63% of respondents recognising the campaign and a significant number of people offering constructive and innovative solutions for rubbish prevention.
This campaign has reinforced Clean Up Australia's capacity to engage local communities and encourage people to be proactive by giving them knowledge about a key issue and the means through which they can make a difference.
For more information about the Leave Only Footprints Project please contact Gabrielle Kay, Clean Water Campaign Manager on (02) 9692 1204.