Media Release 6 September 2005

Europe's cities and communities unite for a greener world

Sydney, Australia - From large European cities to small Mediterranean communities, volunteers across Europe will take to their local streets, parks and beaches next weekend to clean up, fix up and promote green living in their community.

Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from over 30 European countries are expected to take part in the annual Clean Up the World Weekend, celebrated globally on the 16th - 18th of September.

Held in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Clean Up the World campaign, now in its thirteenth year, empowers over 35 million people in over 110 countries to take simple, positive steps to improve and protect their environment each year.

"Our 2005 theme ‘Green Cities Green Communities' is encouraging people around the world to look at ways they can reduce their environmental impact across the areas of waste, water and energy. This is of particular importance in urban areas as 75% of the planet's natural resources are consumed in cities," said Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and Founder of Clean Up the World.

In France, the French Sailing Federation and France Nature Environment, in conjunction with Clean Up the World's global Patron Fondation d'Entreprise Veolia Environnement, will lead thousands of volunteers in clean up activities across the country. From the commercial center Côté Béru to the pristine Loire Valley, events will focus on raising community awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.

Volunteers in Sedgefield, Britain will run an awareness campaign to clean up, improve the environment and promote green living. The event has full support of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. "I would encourage the officers of Sedgefield Borough Council to seek out other partners in this country and around the world to join in and support this worthwhile initiative. It's our world, and both individually and collectively we all have a responsibility to Clean up the World," said Mr Blair.

Over 700,000 people will be involved in a clean up of Italy's urban areas, roadways, waterways and coastal areas.

By cleaning up rubbish hotspots in Budapest and highlighting the importance of green spaces in the city, volunteers hope to instil an ‘anti-littering' ethic in Budapest.

The campaign extends beyond the urban environment with communities in coastal and mountain areas also planning environmental activities.

In Serbia and Montenegro volunteers, on rafts and on the river bank, will clean up the polluted River Lim and promote sustainable practices to the local community of Prijepolje.

Focusing on solid waste management and public awareness, volunteers will mobilise the community in a clean up of Póvoa de Varzim, a popular summer vacation spot for the people of northern Portugal.

Located at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountain range, the natural environment of Cordoba in Spain is suffering from the impacts of tourism. Volunteers will hold clean up events to raise community awareness.

"I encourage more groups to register as Members of Clean Up the World. Join us in creating greener cities and communities across the world," concluded Ian Kiernan.

Communities across Europe are encouraged to register with Clean Up the World by visiting www.cleanuptheworld.org. Members receive information and materials to assist with the promotion and implementation of environmental activities.

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For more information, please contact Clean Up the World on +61 2 9692 0700