A brother and sister duo are proving that team work is dream work and want others to know just how fun recycling can be.
Divit, 13, and Diya, 10, from Wyndham Vale started collecting and recycling plastic bottles a couple of years ago when they accompanied their dad to his work’s Clean Up Australia Day.
Ever since, the pair have created routines, systems and engaged in a healthy amount of sibling rivalry.
“Even though there is competition, we support each other and feel proud about making a difference in the community by recycling,” Divit said.
Diya, who aspires to be a marine biologist, said the pair often race each other to the finish line (a reverse vending machine) and count their cans, bottles and then bounty.
“I love to skip counting by 10s,” she said.
But this is not all fun and games – the pair mean business and have a masterplan.
“We have turned our recycling into a bit of routine,” Divit said.
“Every time we go for a walk or to the park, we spend the first 10-15 minutes ‘bottle hunting’- Diya is a bit adventurous and loves searching in the bushes too.
“We get disappointed about how people still throw bottles everywhere, but here we are to pick them up.”
Through these ‘treasure hunts’ the pair inspire each other, and the school holidays are a great way to start a recycling journey.
Diya has a tip for kids wanting to clean up their act – or most likely the acts of others.
“Keep a backpack when you go to the park. You can collect bottles and deposit them at the CDS RVM machine.”
Jaidyn Kennedy
