AN ENVIRONMENTALLY conscious 68-year-old Nangwarry resident is dedicating his time to cycling over the region and collecting recyclable rubbish to reduce the impact of waste on the environment.
Len Davies has been removing rubbish from roads for three years now, riding his battery assisted bike from Nangwarry to the outskirts of Mount Gambier.
“I was sick of seeing rubbish chucked on the side of the road and it was disappointing to see bags of household rubbish splattered around,” Mr Davies said.
“I would like to see people be more thoughtful when disposing of their rubbish and simply take the extra few minutes to carry it to the bin.”
Mr Davies said he enjoyed cleaning the area, along with the exercise the journey provided.
He carries with him three large bags, including a specific bag to carry glass objects.
The retiree is no stranger to cycling vast distances as he bought his first bicycle at 15 years of age in New South Wales and travelled almost 30km to work and back each day.
The cyclist said many community members had noticed his work and whenever two particular drivers saw him, they stop and handed him their recyclable rubbish.
“Many farmers also praise me on my journey and I used to travel to Kalangadoo, however someone new has also taken up the initiative and they now clean that area,” Mr Davies said.
Not only does Mr Davies collect the rubbish from the roads, but also moves deceased kangaroos to prevent them posing a hazard on the road.
“I find many obscure objects during my travels and once discovered a semitrailer wheel under a tree,” Mr Davies said.
Mr Davies travels to Penola and back each week and once every three weeks he makes a 56km journey, passing through Casterton Road and Tower Road.
“I will continue to collect rubbish for as long as possible as it has assisted not only locals, but tourists visiting the region,” he said.
“I am doing my bit to assist the decrease of community waste where I can.”
