Greater Shepparton City Council waste education officer Hilary Grigg said the day was a “timely event”, given the increased amount of waste created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You go walking out and say ‘I should pick that up’ and you're like, ‘but I probably shouldn't pick that up because it could be contaminated’,” Ms Grigg said.
“We have seen a lot more disposable items out of necessity including coffee cups, a lot of masks and takeaway containers,” she said.
As part of these concerns, the Victorian Government will be making changes to waste management including introducing a container deposit scheme.
“It's just a really great way to make people have that connection between how it is rubbish but it doesn't actually have to end up going to landfill ... it could be reused,” Ms Grigg said.
Health conditions can also influence someone’s place in the world and how they would like the environment to look.
Maria Weatherill said she started to focus on the environment around her when she contracted breast cancer.
“You start thinking about your own health, and you start thinking about how you can look after yourself,” she said.
“In order to do that, we've got to have a planet and environment that is safe for me.”
She has begun to think about more green alternatives.
“I’m not buying bottles of water because I've got recyclable bottles or reusable bottles,” Ms Weatherill said.
Her treatment centre, Shepparton GenesisCare, has launched a plan for environmentally sustainable cancer care, featuring initiatives such as using their own keep cups and attending Clean Up Australia Day.
“It's just about taking that responsibility, I think that we are a key part of the community, we see lots of patients come through our door, and we do deal with lots of other health services,” radiation therapist Erin Johnson said.
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