84 groups want the plastic bag banned

Tuesday, 07 November 2006 23:54

Eighty-four environment groups have today called on NSW Minister for the Environment, Bob Debus, to ban the free plastic bag and to stick to his promise of regulation.  Each year the free plastic bags given out are equivalent to 11,500 tonnes of greenhouse gases.

“Victoria is legislating for such a ban, why not NSW?” said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

“The signatory groups from across NSW represent thousands of community members who want to see plastic bag use reduced dramatically. Community frustration is palpable about this no-brainer,” he said.

“We have been swamped with responses since initiating this letter; groups are banging at our door asking for action on this issue.  Every year we delay means 1 billion more plastic bags are handed out in NSW alone, in addition to wasted resources and greenhouse gas emissions, tens of millions will pollute our parks, waterways, streets and beaches every year.”

There is proven damage to wildlife caused by plastic bag litter and the Federal Government has declared plastic bags and other marine debris a direct threat to 20 marine species, and a Key Threatening Process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Despite repeated commitments by Environment Ministers across Australia, and an agreement made by all Australian Governments with the Australian Retailers’ Association (ARA) to phase out plastic bags by the end of 2008, it appears the industry is attempting to break its promises and Minister must not cooperate.”

“The failure by retailers to meet 2005 voluntary plastic bag reduction targets and community outcry show that we need regulation now.  Viable reusable alternatives already exist and shop staff are already familiar with them at the checkout;” said Mr Angel.