The government have launched a new Gum Litter Taskforce campaign

Brought to you by the Gum Litter Taskforce

Since the Gum Litter Taskforce was established in 2007, gum litter in Ireland has decreased by 64%.

Minister for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, has officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce's (GLT) gum litter education campaign. Founded in 2007, the GLT is an environmental initiative that was set up to reduce gum litter in Ireland. The campaign is returning this year following a break in 2020 due to Covid-19, and aims to build on the success the GLT has seen in previous years. Speaking at the launch of the campaign in Merrion Square, Minister Ossian Smyth said: “I am delighted to launch the 2021 Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign today here in Merrion Square. Participation, inclusion and teamwork are key characteristics of any successful environmental campaign. "The Gum Litter Taskforce campaign is an excellent environmental initiative that empowers local authorities, communities and schools to work together to achieve meaningful change in our environment to the benefit of current and future generations.” The GLT has seen huge success since it began in 2007, with the 2019 campaign maintaining an all-time high of 93% of people stating they regard chewing gum as litter. The 2019 campaign also showed that 88% of people always dispose of their chewing gum correctly, up from 54% when the campaign first began. The campaign's success over the last 13 years can also be seen through the proportion of gum as a percentage of litter, which has decreased by 64%. GLT Project Manager Avril Donlon said: "Since 2007, we have seen a significant decline in the amount of gum litter present throughout the streets, villages and towns of Ireland. "Alongside the Green Schools, Tidy Towns and Neat Streets programmes, this campaign aims to play a significant role in the overall reduction of litter and contribute to the betterment of the environment." For more information on the Gum Litter Taskforce, click here.  Brought to you by the Gum Litter Taskforce