Leave It Better

WE'RE NOT ALL TALK

The YHA crew are endlessly looking for ways to improve on how to reduce the impact of our properties and guests on the environment. Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, plastics, aluminium and steel cans are all collected for recycling at YHAs.

To get the point across, our crew at Melbourne Metro YHA emphasised the scale of single-use plastic bottles being discarded by putting them on display! Read more about the actions and outcome here.

We also know that our travellers are always looking to 'lighten the load' when it comes to lugging belongings around and that's why several of our properties have dediated spaces for unwanted items donated or left behind by guests - you know what they say 'one person's trash is another person's treasure'!

You have probably heard of Clean Up Australia Day, but that doesn't mean every other day is a holiday. It's an annual tradition for YHA staff to take time out of their day to participate in a clean up in their local areas (see below our Perth crew tidy up parks & beaches). Learn how you can step up.

TIME TO MAKE YOUR DIFFERENCE

There are so many initiatives out there to make us more concious of the impact we are making on our surroundings both at home and when travelling. Here's just a few that we think can help us all ensure we reduce our footprint.

• TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA

How often have you seen food wrappers and cigarette butts littering our sandy beaches? Make a simple gesture and make a huge difference with just 3 pieces of rubbish. Find out how you can do your bit, the next time you stay at one of our water-side properties, in the fight against plastic pollution. 

• RETURN AND EARN

A NSW initiative to encourage residents to recycle bottles and cans and earn money or donate to selected charities. Click here to see what household items are accepted and start saving them for a trip to your nearest collection point.

Image Courtesy of Return and Earn NSW

• RECYCLESMART

If only recycling could be as easy as ordering an Uber. Well, guess what - it is that easy! With RecycleSmart you can leave your items on your doorstop and organise a collection date and they will take it away. Find out about this great initiative here. 

• WHO GIVES A CRAP

Something we all take for granted is access to a toilet, but nearly 40% of the world popuation do not have this luxury. Find out how one company is fighting to change this one toilet roll at a time. YHA are proud supporters - the evidence is with these 3 rolls found at Sydney Central YHA!

• PLANET ARK - RECYCLING NEAR YOU

It's not just about how we dispose of things - it's really important to increase the longevity of things such as clothes, household items as well as sharing access to products or services. Visit this Reuse Information Hub for creative tips and resources.