Gum Litter TaskForce Campaign 2022

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:09:00 BST

Cathaoirleach Michael “Moegie” Maher officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign in Oranmore, Co Galway on Wednesday 10^th August.

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) is part of a joint initiative that aims to achieve a long-term sustainable solution to the irresponsible disposal of chewing gum litter.

A study from the Gum Litter Taskforce shows Ireland has achieved a 70% reduction in chewing gum litter since 2007 when the campaign was launched. The GLT National Awareness Campaign has ambitions to further build on the remarkable success and reach of the programme to date. The renewed campaign, which is funded by Mars Wrigley, will run until 2025.

 The Gum Litter Taskforce has led to a phenomenal shift in people’s attitude to litter with chewing gum litter dropping to a record low because of the awareness campaign. It has also increased knowledge of the fine associated with gum litter, with 81% of those surveyed after the campaign now aware of the €150 fine.

 As part of the Gum Litter Taskforce the ‘Bin It!’ education programme will travel across the country and deliver 60 performances a year to primary schools nationwide, with the ambition to visit 180 schools by 2025. The ‘Bin It!’ school roadshow encourages students to responsibly dispose of litter, and particularly gum litter, through actor-led workshops.

To date the campaign has engaged with over 30 local authorities, including Galway County Council, hosting awareness initiatives and localised launch events and providing materials to promote community-led action on gum litter.

 Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Michael “Moegie” Maher spoke about the importance of the GLT campaign in delivering awareness around gum litter and thanked the GLT for bringing the campaign to Co. Galway. “This Gum Litter Awareness campaign must continue at National and Local level until everyone disposes of their chewing gum correctly in a bin and eliminate the blight of gum litter completely. We look forward to working with the Taskforce to promote greater gum litter awareness throughout County Galway for the betterment of all our local communities.”