The highly successful local Gum Litter Campaign received a timely boost recently, as Westmeath County Council and Athlone Town Council engaged in a range of activities aimed at heightening awareness of the problem.
Activities included an event in Athlone Town Centre on Friday September 4, where promotional material was distributed to increase awareness of the necessity of the proper disposal of chewing gum.
“Our aim is to sustain the tremendous momentum already achieved by the Gum Litter Campaign both locally and nationally,” said Bernie Ginnel, environmental awareness officer, Westmeath County Council.
“The idea is to build on the success achieved to date. The clear evidence on the streets is that the campaign is working and this benefits the whole community in terms of a cleaner and more visually attractive environment.”
Westmeath local authorities are among 30 participating in the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT ) National Gum Litter Campaign. The GLT was established in 2006 as a joint initiative between the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the gum industry.
This year’s national Gum Litter Campaign was launched in June and follows on from highly successful campaigns in 2007 and 2008. These campaigns saw very significant improvements in relation to gum litter awareness and disposal behaviour.
The Gum Litter Taskforce also sponsors five specific gum litter awards in the national TidyTowns competition.
