Well done Australia – we now use less single-use plastic shopping bags than we did in 2002 (over 34% less).
It is estimated we now use 3.9 billion single use shopping bags a year. That is every person in Australia uses 192 bags in one year, 502 bags for each Australian household.
What is the problem?
They take so long to break down – 1000 years - and because they are lightweight and moisture resistant they can end up anywhere.
Some facts:
- Around 80 million plastic shopping bags end up as rubbish in our environment each year.
- They can be hazardous to wildlife by entangling animals or being mistaken for food. Thousands of whales, seals, turtles and birds die each year as a result of plastic bags.
- Plastic bags can block drains, trap birds and kill livestock.
- Plastic bags are made from non-renewable natural resources such as crude oil, gas and coal.
- 75% of bags are imported into Australia.
- Over half of the plastic bags used are from supermarkets.
What about recycling plastic bags?
The High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic shopping bags used in supermarkets can be recycled by taking them back to the supermarket for collection.
The thicker Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) bags used in department and boutique stores are not recycled.
Degradable plastic bags are not recycled through supermarket collection points or council kerbside recycling. They should be placed in your normal rubbish collection and disposed of in landfill.
Some facts about degradable bags:
They are made from a copolymer which is a blend of starch based plastic and the traditional petroleum based plastic.
- Can potentially cause same harm to wildlife and create rubbish problems as non-biodegradable bags until they actually break down.
- It is not known what is left after the biodegradable process, possible leftover pieces may be just as harmful to the environment.
- A single use bag requiring similar levels of energy, water and resources for production as non-biodegradable bags.
Over 90% of Australians were concerned about the impact of plastic bags on the environment. (Planet Ark commissioned study of 2004)
Say NO to plastic bags
Reusable bags
are great and they are readily available:
- They hold twice as many items as plastic bags
- Are easier to carry and
- Won't burst under the weight of heavy items
Have a look at the stylish and innovative bags on offer in our Shop - bags, bin liners, doggy poo bags ....
Paper Bags
Are a good option as they come in many different sizes and the larger styles often come with sturdy handles. Of course they can't be used for damp or wet items.
The best by far is the paper bags made from 100% recycled post consumer paper that hasn't used chlorine bleaching.
Bin Liners
Biodegradable plastics made from products like cornstarch are one alternative and can be used as bin liners. Whilst these types of bags still draw on natural resources and divert them from food production they are far better than the petroleum based plastic bags and bin liners.
Alternatively, line the bin with newspaper or if you have a composting system or worm farm you may find that you don't need to line the bin at all. (Check with your council first.)
Doggy poo bags
Other types of plastic bags are also suitable for picking up after your dog such as bread bags, fruit and veggie bags, chip bags, dog food bags, cereal bags …..Newspaper, pooper scoopers or paper doggy bags are other options.
It is important to avoid dog poo ending up in waterways because of E. coli pollution and roundworm infestation. A great option is to place the dog poo straight into your compost bin!
Australian Plastic Bag reduction strategy by 2008
Retailers are being encouraged to find alternatives to the petroleum based plastic bags and Governments are currently working in conjunction to phase-out single-use plastic bags by the end of 2008.
What has happened so far ..
The Australian Retailers Association set a code of Practice in 2003 committing to a 25% reduction plastic bag use by the end of 2004 and a 50% reduction by the end of 2005.The latest report from mid 2005 shows a reduction of 34%.
National standards for biodegradable plastics and a best practice guideline for litter waste management at landfills and public place is being developed.
Department of the Environment and Water Resources is supporting Clean Up Australia to undertake a national plastic bag awareness campaign asking retailers and the community to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, increase plastic bag recycling and reduce the amount of plastic bag litter.
Congratulations to these Plastic Bag Free Towns
Coles Bay Tasmania; Birregurra, Cannons Creek, Murtoa, Metung, Timboon, Cohuna and Leitchville in Victoria and Kangaroo Valley, Huskisson, Oyster Bay, Mogo, Orient Point in NSW.
There are also two markets in Victoria that are also Plastic Bag Free, Veg Out St Kilda Farmers' Market and Collingwood Childrens Farm Farmers Market
References:
Plastic Bags Just Say NO, Planet Ark, Sustainability Victoria
Plastic Carry Bag Use 2002 – 2005 Consumption, Hyder Consulting, Dept of the Environment and Heritage,Report 2005.
www.noplasticbags.org.au, Australian Government, Australian Retailers Association, Cleanup.
www.recyclingnearyou.com.au, Planet Ark.
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Amazing Alternatives