Alexis Bowen says being named 2022 NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year for The Bin Chicken initiative is a win for Campbelltown.
“What The Bin Chicken is doing is having a red hot go for the planet, but how good is it to win this award for Campbelltown,’’ Ms Bowen tells the South West Voice earlier today.
The St Andrews resident and mother of two young children is having a year to remember.
Earlier this year she was named Campbelltown Environmental citizen of the year as part of the Australia Day awards.
And now she has been crowned queen of all of NSW when it comes to recycling initiatives, which is, let’s face it, a very important part of saving the environment and the planet itself.
And it’s all thanks to The Bin Chicken, which started after Ms Bowen and her kids picked up thousands of containers in just a few weeks while going for afternoon walks through Eschol Park sports complex around two years ago.
“It’s a good feeling, winning this award,’’ says Ms Bowen.
So good the children received special treats to thank them for their contribution to success of The Bin Chicken.
“It was something special to let them know how proud I am of them, and what we have achieved together,’’ she said.
Ms Bowen says the award is not only a big incentive to keep growing The Bin Chicken, but it has also come just at the right time.
“The award is massive motivation, especially the timing; everything has just line up for us, our website is finally up and running, putting us at the start of a growth period.’’
Ms Bowen said the $3,000 in prize money from the NSW award will go towards another community pantry.
“It’s time for a new one, a bigger and better one,’’ she said.
“We will also look at expanding our collection sites, such as child care centres.’’
Ms Bowen says the biggest thing she’s learned since starting up The Bin Chicken was that a lot of people wanted to get into recycling one way or another but needed to learn how to do it.
“The awareness we have created through The Bin Chicken is the most important thing – encouraging other people to do it,’’ says MS Bowen.
“It’s all about how to make recycling easier for everyone.’’
NSW environment minister James Griffin has congratulated Alexis Bowen and all the nominees for their initiatives that help protect and conserve the environment while growing community spirit.
“Grassroots initiatives are what make our communities great, and the environmental awards encourage community champions, everyday individuals and local organisations that are improving our environment,” Mr Griffin said.
“From recycling and litter reduction, to land care, creating community gardens and protecting our wildlife – this year’s environmental awards nominees are extraordinary, and their perseverance in times of hardship should be applauded.”
