Twelve-year-old Keira Naden is proof that recycling can take you a long way—all the way to Japan, in her case.
Keira, a dedicated member of Canberra’s Jazzy Jumpers rope skipping team, is preparing to represent Australia at the World Jump Rope Championships in Kawasaki this July. But instead of asking for donations, she and her family chose a more hands-on fundraising approach: collecting bottles and cans to redeem through the ACT Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) for the 10c refund.
“When I found out I qualified for Japan, we thought it would be a good idea to do container recycling to help raise money. We posted on Facebook to ask if anyone had spare bottles and cans, and lots of people replied. We pick up their containers and they update us when they have more,” said Keira, who is in Year 7 at Amaroo High School.
“It started with a post on a local ‘buy nothing’ Facebook page and grew from our neighbourhood to Canberra-wide. We live in Gunghalin and drive as far as Tuggeranong to collect containers,” said Keira’s mother, Stacey.
Some weeks they collect more than others but usually they cash in their haul once a fortnight to the ACT CDS cash-back depot in Mitchell.
At last count, they had raised $2,000–the result of 20,000 containers—enough to cover Keira’s airfare and contribute $500 towards the club to support other participants.
“Now that we have enough for her ticket, funds raised from here will go towards supporting other Jazzy Jumpers’ travel,” said Stacey.
They plan to continue recycling containers, even though they have now covered Keira’s flights and contributed to other athletes. “I think it would be great to keep it going now that so many people know about it—people keep reaching out to donate containers!”
Keira said recycling has been an easy and rewarding way to raise money.
“I like how it doesn’t go to landfill so it’s also good for the environment – and it’s easy.”
“It’s something everyone can get involved in. We’re not asking people for money, so anyone can contribute,” said Stacey.
