Kilkenny group take on sticky situation

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Kilkenny City on Thursday, 13 July, as part of its Summer Roadshow. 

The interactive Roadshow works with local authorities and communities in Kilkenny across the country.

The project aims to carry out fun and engaging education and awareness initiatives that demonstrate the proper means of gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental and fiscal impacts of gum litter. 

Now in its 16th year, the campaign is a collaboration between Food Drink Ireland, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the chewing gum industry, and local authorities.

According to GLT research, 87% of people now report proper gum disposal, that’s compared to 49% when the campaign began in 2007, an increase of 77.5%. 

However, according to GMT officials, there's still work to be done, as only 46% of people claimed to have never dropped gum on the ground.

Peer pressure was found to be the key contributor in the combat against dumping gum, followed by knowledge of the €150 fine.

Michael Arthurs, Senior Executive Officer from the Environment Section of Kilkenny County Council said: "We are delighted to welcome back the Gum Litter Taskforce to Kilkenny. The Roadshow is a fantastic way to show people about the sustainable impacts of responsibly disposing of gum litter and changing their disposal behaviours. This GLT campaign has seen a visible reduction of gum litter on our streets since it first began, and the Roadshow is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment."