There are groups and individuals that speak out on the matter from both sides of the fence - those who believe and those who don't believe.

There are facts, figures, research results and documentaries intended to inform the masses. Then there are opposing messages and documentation, and of course the protest marches and rallies.

Sometimes it feels like those who are delivering the messages - from both sides of the argument - are simply yelling at anyone who will listen.

While I appreciate the passion I can't help but feel that such passion can be lost. Let's face it, how well does anyone listen to someone who is yelling?

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And then there is the information bundled in the passionate messages. Statistics, scientific data, national and global targets and the associated politics.

How many people in the general public are really absorbing and understanding this complex information?

Ultimately these messages are intended to ensure the improvement and preservation of our environment into the future for all. However, I can't help feeling that the messages being 'yelled' - often with complex detail - make environmental campaigns exclusive, rather than inclusive.

By all means governments and businesses should be held accountable for what they do to contribute to that better future. The people at large play a key role as the watch dog.

However, the future is also dependent on the actions of the individual.

Inspiring people to personally show pride in and preservation of their environment - not littering, planting trees, reducing their use of packaging, addressing their power usage (simply by turning off some lights or using LED globes), car pooling or walking instead of driving where possible and the list goes on - is an inclusive approach to looking to the future.

One initiative that has been calmly delivering this message for more than three decades is the Clean Up Australia Campaign. The message that every single person or organisation can have a positive impact on the environment, simply by picking up and correctly disposing of the rubbish around them, is inclusive.

It is a concept that speaks to the masses and has the ability to instill a sense of pride in the individual.

The first weekend in March is generally set aside for the clean up effort and in 2021 the official day of the campaign is March 7. The results of the campaign - cleaner roadsides, waterways, parks and reserves - have the potential to encourage people to stay focused on a cleaner environment year round.

There are no people shouting through megaphones, or mass groups pounding the pavements with placards but the Clean up Australia campaign has the potential to speak volumes with immediate results.

So even if you don't register for a clean up area on March 7 you can still do your part on the day, or any day for that matter, simply by picking up rubbish in your community. Better still don't litter the environment in the first place and make sure the message is passed on to others.

Stay safe and value the natural, clean appeal of our community,

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