From Hiker to Hero - Mia's Fight Against Littering

27 Aug 2024

Enforcement

Have you ever wondered what it's like to attend court as a witness?

We spoke to Mia to learn about her rewarding experience.

What started as a peaceful hike in the Blue Mountains National Park sparked a significant civic engagement for Mia, a Sydney business analyst and nature lover. Her story demonstrates just how easy it is to report littering from a vehicle and become a witness, encouraging others to take similar steps to protect the environment.

A disheartening sight

Mia enjoys the outdoors and was dismayed to see litter tarnishing the beauty of her favourite hiking spot. "Litter itself is awful, but in a national park, it's so much worse because it's supposed to be a haven for nature," she said. This strong sense of responsibility led her to take decisive action when she witnessed littering firsthand on her drive home.

Taking action

"I saw someone littering from their car – not once, but twice. They threw out two drink cans, one from the driver's side and one from the passenger's side," Mia recalled. Rather than ignore the incident, Mia decided to use the Report to EPA system, which makes reporting easy and accessible to all.

A simple process

Mia found the process surprisingly simple. "I pulled over when I could, made notes on my phone about what I saw, and later submitted my report online. It was quite easy to do," she explained. With over 77,000 registered users and more than 100,000 reports, the system is designed to make environmental stewardship straightforward. Only 2% of reports find their way to court, but Mia's determination exemplifies the impact of those that do.

From report to court

A few months after submitting her report, Mia was contacted by an EPA lawyer, who informed her that the individual she reported had challenged the fine and that the case was heading to court. Mia didn't hesitate to provide a written statement and later agreed to testify in court. "I was happy to help and felt like I was doing my civic duty," she shared.

In the courtroom

On the day of the trial, Mia's thorough notetaking proved invaluable. Her detailed description of the car, including its distinctive stickers, helped confirm the vehicle's involvement in the littering incident. "I'd never been to court before, and it was a good experience. Having notes on the specific details of the car reassured me," she explained.

Mia's testimony lasted about ten minutes, and she found the process smooth and supportive. The EPA’s legal team had prepared her well, ensuring she knew what to expect. "They were very helpful and forthcoming with information, and it wasn't a big commitment of time," she said.

A satisfactory victory

The court found the litterer guilty, a verdict that left Mia feeling satisfied and relieved. "I felt like I'd done my good deed for the year. It was rewarding to help and know that my actions made a difference," she reflected. Mia’s efforts, along with the rest of the 77,000-strong reporting community, have helped reduce roadside littering by over 40% since the program began.

Encouraging others

Mia's experience shows that reporting littering and participating in the legal process can be straightforward and rewarding. Her advice to others is simple: "Just do it. It doesn't take much time, and you're helping the planet. We only have one Earth."

For those interested in following Mia's example, the Report to EPA system offers an accessible way to make a positive impact. By taking a few minutes to report littering and being willing to testify, anyone can contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.