REMOVING
PLASTIC & URBAN POLLUTION
AT THE SOURCE
REMOVING PLASTIC & URBAN POLLUTION AT THE SOURCE
Plastic production, especially single-use plastic, is increasing at a terrifying rate. Annually 400,000 million tonnes of plastic is produced across the planet, and 80 million tonnes will end up across Earth’s waterway environments and oceans. Stormwater transports much of this plastic litter, along with toxic road runoff, chemicals, organic matter and sediment from our roads, gardens, farms and building sites.
We must find solutions and alternatives to remove pollution and reduce our growing single-use plastic consumption.
The Stormwater Shepherd’s approach is one of Positive Action, Education and Advocacy.
OUR STORY
In the early ’70s, Stephen Hales, the Patriarch of correct stormwater management, took charge of cleaning heavily polluted Duck Creek, a tributary of the Parramatta River. A turning point in Stephen’s life was donning boots to walk through the black sludge discharged by an unregulated industry. Stephen knew then he needed help clean Sydney’s waterways.
After fifty years in the stormwater business, Stephen and the Hales family are now giving back by supporting Stormwater Shepherds – the inspiration and passion of SPEL’s CEO Andy Hornbuckle – a leading Zero Pollution Ambassador, for a clean water future across our planet.
Stormwater Shepherds is reigniting the charge to help stop plastic and urban pollution at the source – the home, the business and the stormwater drain. Find out how you can help here.
Our Vision is for the world’s waters to be clean water, free of plastic and urban pollution
The most effective way to reduce the harmful effects of stormwater pollution is to prevent it from entering our waterways. This is a combination approach targeting education, knowledge sharing and improved stormwater infrastructure.
Our focus is to stop the plastic and urban pollution at the source through
- Positive Action – helping restore inland waterway environments
- Education – providing a deeper awareness of the importance of stormwater networks and the impacts of plastic and urban pollution on all lifeforms
- Advocacy – for long-term sustainable approaches to successfully managing plastic pollution
We believe in the value of connection, communication and collaboration to influence and guide how we can help protect life in our world’s watercourses, whether human or animal.
Togetherness is strength.
CORE VALUES
RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
We will look out for each other, and be kind; and through connection, we will build lasting relationships in a nurturing and encouraging environment. We are ambassadors to our vision, and we understand the importance of our positions and the responsibility it brings to impassion our audiences.
INTEGRITY
We remain loyal and strong to our mission. We act with honesty and transparency in all our dealings. Building trust and respect through communication lies at the core of our values.
INNOVATION
We are committed to delivering impactful innovation. By thinking big, we will foster, develop and collaborate practical solutions-based-thinking to support the challenges connected to single-use plastics and other pollutants.
ALTRUISM
We care deeply for our planet and will act only in its best interest. We will do as much good as we can through our devotion to the well-being of all lifeforms.
