ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
WHY EVERY ONE OF US MATTERS.
Austria has always been a pioneer in the separate collection and recycling of packaging, e-waste and batteries. And we have been a role model in terms of waste prevention and anti-litter campaigns. Part of this success is due to environmental education initiatives where children learn about green and sustainable behaviour. Still, we need to do better to attain the ambitious climate targets and get closer to a seamless circular economy.
Our environmental education and awareness initiatives
Everyone has to join in if we are to conserve resources and achieve a circular economy. Households are asked to do their bit, too (smart shopping and resource use, proper waste sorting and disposal), as consumer and producer responsibility need to go hand in hand. This is why we run information and motivation campaigns together with our partners.
Programmes for children
Our ARA4kids programme and Bobby Bottle (a genie in a bottle) are for preschoolers and primary schoolers. They help raise awareness of how to show respect for the environment. ARA4kids aims to teach our youngest children about green behaviour with a focus on the separate collection and recycling of packaging, litter prevention and waste prevention.
Anti-litter campaign
Litter is not just unsightly, it also pollutes the environment. This campaign by the Austrian business community focuses on how to dispose of waste responsibly when out and about. In addition to raising awareness of how to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, the initiative outlines specific measures people can take to prevent and reduce litter.
Hermit Leer
Hermit Leer is a battery and the main character featured in this information campaign. He speaks for himself and his friends: all kinds of used disposable batteries and lithium rechargeable batteries. Hermit shows how to properly dispose of used batteries to avoid fire hazards and recover secondary raw materials. It’s really easy. Batteries contain a number of valuable raw materials, but also hazardous substances. That’s why they don’t belong in the general waste bin.