Melbourne is known for being one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world. In 2015 it was named the world’s most livable city by The Economist for the fifth year running. This hasn’t happened by accident. From public transport, to green spaces, and everything in between, the city’s administrators have strived to make Melbourne one of the most pleasant cities not just in Australia, but in the world. Here’s just a few of the reasons why Melbourne is leading the way when it comes to urban cleanliness!
Eco-friendly Transport
In terms of transport, Melbourne is one of the most eco-friendly cities in Australia. The city’s main thoroughfare, Swanston Street, has been at least partially closed to private cars since the 1990s. And Melbourne’s extensive network of cycle routes make the city a cyclist’s dream. Additionally, the free city centre tram route, means it couldn’t be easier for residents to travel the city using clean, green methods of transport. The city even became the first Australian state capital to trial 24 hour public transport earlier this year. By providing its residents with simple access to low carbon transport, Melbourne has been able to achieve lower than average air pollution levels; far lower than other major cities like London and Paris. Melbourne’s ambitious aim is to become a carbon neutral city by 2020.
Green Space Galore
Another contributor to Melbourne’s clean, green image is the abundance of green space. Melbourne has nearly 500 hectares of green space across the city, around 15% of the total area. This includes parks, public gardens and leafy suburban areas. And the city is planning for the future to ensure this Melbourne remains one of the greenest cities, launching the Open Space Strategy in 2012 – a framework to maintain and develop the city’s green space.
Neat and Tidy Locals
Melburnians are enthusiastic contributors to the upkeep and cleanliness of the city. Recycling rates are above the national average (62% in Melbourne compared to 52% nationally). Every spring, the City of Melbourne runs a spring cleaning drive to work with residents to spring clean the city. Initiatives include pop-up recycling points for electronic waste and mobile phones, free hard and green waste recycling, graffiti removal and lane and street cleaning with pressure washers.
Since launching in Melbourne last year, cleaners on the Helpling platform have cleaned thousands of households across Melbourne. So we like to feel as though we’re contributing to the squeaky clean nature of the city too! And if you’d like to spend some time enjoying one of the city’s many beautiful parks, or trying out a new restaurant or cocktail spot, why not gain back some free time by booking an insured, local Melbourne cleaner through Helpling.
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