Ipswich City Council

Plastic Bag Campaign

Did You Know?

Australians used 3.9 billion plastic bags in 2006!
Plastic bags can take up to 1000 years to break down!
Only 5% of Australia's plastic bags are currently being recycled. Although plastic bags cannot be recycled in the yellow-lidded recycling bin, there are recycling facilities for plastic bags available at major supermarkets!

Why are plastic bags a problem?

Plastic bags do not readily break down in the environment.
They can clog drains and waterways, increasing the risk of flooding.
They create visual pollution.
Plastic bags suffocate, disable and kill thousands of marine animals and sea birds worldwide each year. When the animal dies and decays, the plastic bag is free again to repeat the deadly cycle.
Plastic bags are financially expensive - there are costs associated not only for the purchase of the plastic bag (4-6c each) but also collecting bags once they have been discarded as litter.
Plastic bags are made from crude oil, natural gas and other petrochemical derivatives, which are finite resources and will not last forever.

What are the alternatives?

Biodegradable plastic bags

Biodegradable plastic bags are often made from farmed products like cornstarch, which, in the right conditions, will break down into elements like carbon dioxide, water and methane. Biodegradable bags are generally best suited to composting and may contribute to methane emissions if sent to landfill. It may take time for them to break down completely, and as a result they may pose a threat to animals who mistake them for pieces of food.

It is important to understand the difference between these bags and traditional plastic bags, and the impact they have on the environment. Biodegradable plastic bags are more eco-friendly than conventional plastic bags, although they still pose a threat to the wildlife and the environment.

Paper bags

Paper bags are a good alternative as paper is a renewable resource and viable alternative to plastic. Trees can be regrown and its products are recyclable. Paper bags are also biodegradable and will naturally break down.

Calico bags

Calico bags are made from 100% cotton, are reusable, durable, strong and are biodegradable in the long term.

Polypropylene or 'green' bags

'Green' bags are made from non-woven polypropylene, which is a type of plastic. They are durable and long lasting which makes them totally reusable. Polypropylene bags have a capacity of 3-4 plastic bags, eliminating thousands of harmful plastic bags over its lifespan.

Jute bags

are biodegradable alternatives to the green polypropylene bag. They are naturally recyclable and are the logical 'next step' for socially-concerned shoppers and retailers. The bag can be recycled by composting them or using as mulch in the garden. Jute is a long, soft shiny plant fibre that can spun into coarse, strong threads. Jute is one of the most abundant natural fibres and is second only to cotton in the amount produced and variety of uses.

What can I do to help?

Shoppers

Reuse plastic bags you have at home as bin liners or for carrying and storing items.
Take used plastic bags to your local supermarket to be recycled (plastic bags CANNOT be placed in your recycling bin).
If possible, refuse a plastic bag.

Bring your own bag (BYOB) every time you shop! Some tips to remember 'that green bag' next time you go shopping:

Plan your trip! Write 'reusable bags' down on your shopping list.
Keep them handy! Store them in your car, at work and even in your handbag.
Hang them up! On the back of your front door and grab them on your way out.
Get the kids involved! Make it their job to bring them to the supermarket.

Retailers

Offer reusable bags for sale in-store, such as polypropylene ('green bags'), calico bags or paper bags.
Train staff to ask customers "do you need a bag?"
Educate staff to promote reusable bag options to all customers by asking them "would you like a reusable bag?"
Make it a store policy to not bag three items or less.
Avoid double-bagging heavy items.

Last Updated 26 Oct 2009 |

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