23 June
2006 - The Australian Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, today welcomed
State and Territory agreement to renew action
encouraging retailers and shoppers to reduce plastic
bag use.
“Australian shoppers and retailers
have achieved tremendous results since the voluntary
retailer code was agreed in 2003, with major supermarkets
now using 45 per cent fewer bags than they did
in 2002,” Senator Campbell said.
“This means that three billion
plastic bags have been taken out of circulation
since 2002.”
State and Territory Environment
Ministers meeting at the Environment Protection
and Heritage Council in Sydney agreed to continue
voluntary action by industry to achieve a phase-out
of single use, lightweight plastic bags by the
end of 2008.
“In addition to continued use
of reusable ‘green’ bags, retailers are also exploring
whether they can introduce a suitable biodegradable
bag to replace the remaining lightweight plastic
bags,” Senator Campbell said.
“Development of different kinds
of bags means consumers will be able to choose
the plastic bag-alternative solution that best
suits them. This might include reusable bags,
a suitable biodegradable bag, or a box.”
“To accelerate action in this
area, I have provided a grant of $40,000 to the
Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association
to develop a national Guide and Commitment that
will help guide the introduction of degradables
in Australia.”
“To further encourage reductions
in plastic bag use, particularly among smaller
retailers, the Australian Government will also
provide a $29,000 Natural Heritage Trust grant
to ‘Bag Smart’ to undertake a three month trial
programme in Western Australia.” / Rob Broadfield
