Gum Litter Taskforce visits Cootehill

On Tuesday, 7^th July, the Gum Litter Taskforce took to the streets of Cootehill to promote positive gum litter disposal. As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Cavan County Council to visit Foy’s SuperValu, Cootehill to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine.

A collaboration between industry, government and local authorities, and funded by Mars Wrigley, the Gum Litter Taskforce has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70% since 2007, via a sustained public engagement and education campaign.

Research from the Gum Litter Taskforce reveals that littering is now viewed as socially unacceptable by more than 4 in 5 (82%) young people. However, almost 1 in 4 young people still do not regard chewing gum as litter, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness. However, research indicates 1 in 12 admit that they still drop their gum on the ground – with men more than twice as likely to do so than women.

Welcoming the campaign back to Cavan, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Carmel Brady said “We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Cootehill. Gum litter is a scourge on our streets, and this campaign has demonstrated positive results in reducing illegal disposal of gum on the street, and in changing public perception on gum litter. I hope the people of Cavan will continue to bin their gum and help keep our streets clean for everyone”.

Avril Donlon, Gum Litter Campaign Manager at Food Drink Ireland, said “This latest research shows real progress, with more young people recognising that littering is unacceptable and taking action. Our focus remains on making responsible gum disposal the norm and continuing to build on the positive behaviours we are seeing across communities nationwide”

Anne Sheeran, Corporate Affairs Manager at Mars Wrigley, added “We at Mars Wrigley are proud to support the Gum Litter Taskforce as part of our broader commitment to responsible business and sustainability. This campaign is delivering measurable change and helping to shape positive habits, with more people choosing to bin their gum and encouraging others to do the same. Through continued collaboration, we can build on this progress and further reduce gum litter in our communities”.

This year’s GLT campaign also includes a school roadshow, ‘Bin It!’, which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October. See www.gumlittertaskforce.ie for more information and resources.