Plastic Bags
A highly emotive issue, the use and disposal of plastic shopping bags is a problem whose solution requires us all to accept our individual responsibility. Environmental Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC)
The EPHC is the peak ministerial environment protection council, representing the federal and state governments in Australia.
In 2002, the EPHC's Plastic Bags Working Group proposed a relatively comprehensive strategy to address this issue. This comprised measures such as an education program, a retailers' Code of Practice, improvements in recycling practices, and further study into issues such as degradable alternatives, in addition to examining possible legislative options.
The new "Plastic Bag Regional Policy", based on the findings of this group, has been developed and approved by the SWSA and circulated to all major retailers and public with very little response. However, further comments are still welcome.
The SWSA believes that a thorough and considered process will be required to effectively manage this problem. Contributions to this debate can be made by emailing us at contact@southernwaste.com.au.
Alternatives
In considering potential alternatives, the following should be noted:
- Paper bags are less resource efficient than plastic bags and also contribute to litter, although they are less likely to present a hazard to wildlife.
- More information is required regarding the effectiveness of compostable bags in combating the litter and wildlife fatality problems.
- Reusable bags appear to be the best alternative, but there are significant hygiene and cost problems. They can also present problems with check-out handling systems.
- The dedication required to change habits, suggests that a substantial public education campaign is likely to be required to encourage the reuse option by a significant number of shoppers.
- Plastic bags are likely to continue to serve needs other than as shopping bags, so that continuing education will be required with respect to their correct disposal.
What can you do?
For the general community, these are the current waste management alternatives:
- If you're only buying a couple of items, say 'no thanks' to a plastic bag.
- When shopping, take alternatives to plastic bags with you - e.g. calico bags, string bags, baskets or boxes. However you may need to check handling arrangements with your local supermarket.
- There are many ways to reuse plastic bags around the home, including freezing food, packing children's school lunches, or the storage of clothing and other household items. Use them as a temporary rubbish container in the boat or car, or while walking your dog.
- Plastic bags are often reused as kitchen bin liners. Whilst this is better than purchasing single-use plastic bin liners, biodegradable liners are preferred, because they permit the break-down of the foodstuffs inside.
- Alternatives such as biodegradable cornstarch and plastic bags are available. Watch for future research about their effectiveness in solving the problems of litter and wildlife fatalities.
- Most major supermarkets are reducing waste in this area by encouraging the above alternatives, and by training staff to pack the optimum number of items in each bag. In conjunction with the Australian Retailers Association, they have developed a Supermarket Bag Code of Practice and will be working to improve this and other measures.
- If you must use plastic bags, take care to dispose of them properly.