26 February 2007

Workplaces along the Queensland coast are being encouraged to clean up and help protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The call comes from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as Business Clean Up Day approaches on 27 February.

GBRMPA Water Quality and Coastal Development Director Hugh Yorkston said Clean Up Australia’s event was a good time to develop environmentally-friendly work practices.  

“We encourage workplaces along the Queensland coast to do a clean-up and think about ongoing things they can do at work to help protect the Marine Park,” he said.

“Employees can even look beyond the workplace and form a team to revegetate wetlands, collect litter from beaches or clean up waterways.

“Those of us lucky enough to live or work near the Marine Park can play a key role in looking after this internationally-renowned natural icon.

“Minor changes to the way a workplace does business, such as minimising printing, can prove good for both the environment and the business’ bottom line.”

Some simple workplace tips to help to look after the Marine Park:

• Keep workplaces free of chemicals and rubbish as what goes into drains, creeks and rivers may end up in the Marine Park
• Put all litter in the bin and recycle to keep waterways and the Reef free of plastic
• Minimise printing and use double-sided copying where possible
• Buy toner cartridges that can be recycled and are environmentally-friendly
• Set up recycling bins around the workplace and encourage all employees to recycle paper and other materials
• Plant gardens and vegetation strips around workplace buildings.

The day encourages employees to work as a team to make a difference in their local community, help improve the quality of the environment and work towards reducing waste.