Westmeath County Council is ramping up activity in its ‘Bin it your way’ campaign. As an active participant in the high-profile national Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT ) awareness campaign, Cllr Frankie Keena, chairperson of the Environment and Water Services SPC of Westmeath County Council, highlighted the need for the people of Westmeath to continue to increase the level of awareness of gum litter and its correct disposal.
This week, Westmeath County Council took the opportunity to distribute gum wraps and other campaign materials to visitors to Athlone in the presence of Cllr Keena, and members of the Gateway Project in Athlone were there to lend a hand. The Athlone Marching Youth Band provided entertainment on the day also.
Coordinated by the GLT in association with local authorities throughout Ireland, the national Gum Litter Taskforce awareness campaign aims to reduce the amount of gum litter in the easiest way possible; by discouraging littering - the root cause of the issue - and encouraging the public to ‘Bin it your way’.
“This year’s campaign is fun and engaging. I’ve seen young people perform all sorts of cool moves to bin their gum. There’s an incredible level of imagination, momentum, and creativity brought to this year’s campaign. I’m really impressed and will continue to spread the word to family, friends, and colleagues. It is in all of our interests and I’d ask you to please ‘Bin it your way’. It’s the responsible and the right thing to do,” said Cllr Keena.
Paul Kelly, chairman of the GLT explained the theme of the 2012 campaign, ‘Bin it your way’. “We’ve engaged with a team of professional dancers who have come up with a series of moves. The dance crew have travelled to all 23 local authority areas which are taking part in the campaign. We’re appealing to people to dispose of their gum in a fun and creative way, just don’t throw it on the ground. We would encourage everyone to come up with a unique move of their own,” he stated.
The campaign is interactive and encourages the public to check out the ‘Bin it your way’ Facebook page and upload their own dance moves. They can also watch on www.gumlittertaskforce.ie
