Plastic Bag Move Welcomed

Friday, 11 January 2008 00:46

“TEC and other green groups have been campaigning for years on this problem, but the Howard government created obstacle after obstacle to a sustainable solution.  There has been a mountain of analysis and studies, but no action,” said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.    

“State environment ministers were ready to act and now the feds have come on board, we will very quickly see a massive reduction in litter and marine pollution.  The supermarkets had failed to meet their agreements on bag reduction and presented dodgy economic data to justify continued use.  Our ‘undercover supermarket’ survey in 2007 showed their program seriously failing.  They have no excuses left.”

“Initially people might have a few issues in adjusting to the ban.  However, it’s easy and there’ll be a lot less plastic floating around – and within a year or two there will be no inconvenience felt.”

“The ALP came to power with a waste policy that embraces a new era of product responsibility, from computers to packaging.  We’ll be pressing for more action in these areas, as well.”