Ambassadors clean up for platypus

A team of seven to 12-year-olds spent the morning of Sunday 5 March picking up litter in Belgrave as part of Clean Up Australia Day.
The Junior Ambassadors from Platypus Education Group collected nearly 1000 pieces of litter.
This included 82 alcohol bottles, 45 plastic bottles, 51 straws and bread ties, 34 plastic bags, 101 bottle tops and 159 cigarette butts.
They also filled two buckets with broken glass.
The young environmentalists are passionate about keeping the area clean as they are aware that all rubbish on the ground gets washed down the stormwater drains and flows straight into the creek, making it a direct threat to platypus.
Platypus Education Group founder, Jen Ellison, said the children were passionate about protecting their local environment.
“They completely understand why litter is such a problem to our local platypus populations, as well as all wildlife,” she said.
“We’re really proud of all their hard work.”
As a reward for their efforts, Archie’s Place, Belgrave, gave all the ambassadors a free ice cream.
They also met with Tiffaney Bishop of tbcAustralia, who gave them a tour of the newly completed artwork along Blacksmith’s Way.
“We want the ambassadors to meet lots of groups and individuals who are using their different skills to raise awareness and protect the environment,” she said.
The Platypus Ambassadors are meeting throughout the year.
To stay up to date, follow Platypus Education Group on Facebook and Instagram.