Ten cents and a recycling scheme

February 26, 2010 in Campaigns, Rants & Raves
Tags: ALP, Australia, climate change, Colleen Hartland, environment, environmental sustainability, Greens, John Brumby, Liberals, Melbourne, Nationals, recycling, Ted Baillieu, Victoria, Victorian Greens

The Victorian Greens are maintaining their campaign for the introduction of the 10c deposit recycling scheme for drink containers (bottles, cans and cartons). The scheme is a simple one and would help to dramatically increase the amount of recycling; an increase in jobs; and an expansion of the recycling and waste industry.

The scheme would ensure that there are more options for local governments to increase revenue without having to increase local taxes and rates for residents, businesses and ratepayers. Through the scheme people would be given 10 cents for each drink container returned. It is similar to the scheme in South Australia, which has been operating very successfully.

However, there are some major hurdles and barriers to the scheme being introduced – namely the state Liberal-National coalition opposition and the Brumby Labor government. The state coalition is beginning to get behind the scheme but cynically in an attempt to seem to be green and supporting clean energy jobs.

A simple, affordable and sustainable program seems to be far too difficult to accept by the tired, old parties. With little vision for the future of work, or even an understanding of what is required to support sustainable industries, both the state coalition and government have proven failures. And when confronted with such a simple and effective solution, inaction is the result.

There is still hope and your support can still make a difference. Find out more and join in.