2005 Missing plastic bag numbers: where are they?

Tuesday, 23 May 2006 03:09

Environment Victoria (EV), the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and the Total Environment Centre (TEC) said the supermarkets had committed to a 50% reduction in plastic bag use and the withholding of the report rang alarm bells.

“We smell a rat,” said Jeff Angel, TEC Director. “If the supermarket sector can’t deliver last year’s numbers after five months, we need to know who’s holding out and why. It’s urgent that the plastic bag problem is solved.”

In 2003 Environment Ministers agreed to a voluntary reduction code that aimed for: a 25% reduction by the end of 2004 and a 50% reduction by end 2005.

"If these reductions were not achieved, Ministers have repeatedly said that regulation would be back on the agenda,’’ said Jenny Henty, EV Zero Waste Campaign Director. “The Government has developed options for regulations – let’s put these on the table so the community can have its say. Industry has been dominating this debate for too long.”

"Federal and state governments must agree to take decisive action on the plastic bag issue. Urgent changes are needed to stop these bags from littering the environment and harming our marine life,’’ said Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and Founder of Clean Up Australia.  

“Many governments around the world – including Ireland, South Africa and India – have regulated to reduce plastic bag use.  It’s time the Howard Government took action.” said Suzie Brown, ACF Sustainability Campaigner.

“Many Australians are supporting BYO bags, but we all need prompts and reminders to help us break our plastic bag addiction,’’ Mr Angel said. "The environment and community cannot tolerate more years of slow voluntary programs – introducing dodgy degradable bags and recycling more is not the answer – it’s time for major reduction in bag use.’’