MEDIA RELEASE 6TH MAY 2009
SA's peak environmental body, the Conservation Council of South Australia (CCSA), has called on the Federal Government to enact its election commitment of a national ban on lightweight checkout-style plastic bags.
“South Australia’s plastic bag ban has now come into force and the sky hasn’t fallen,” said CCSA campaigner Jamnes Danenberg.
“Instead we’ve seen the South Australian public backing the initiative, bringing their own reusable bags or using calico and ‘green’ bags provided by retailers.”
“With industry in Western Australia now calling for a bag ban, we believe it’s time for the Federal Government to take the lead and enforce this world’s best practice right across Australia,” Mr Danenberg said.South Australia’s bag ban is expected to remove 400 million plastic bags from the waste stream each year. Until now, the majority of these bags have either ended up as unsightly litter or entered landfill sites, where they easily escape and get into waterways.
Plastic bags in the marine environment are a major problem for marine animals including Australian Sea Lions, turtles and fish, who mistake them for food and swallow or get choked by them.
“Banning these bags will clean up our environment, protect our wildlife and help us reduce our greenhouse emissions in one hit. Clearly it’s a win-win measure,” said Mr Danenberg.
“As the Northern Territory prepares to enact Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) modelled on South Australia’s, it’s clear that the time is right for a uniform approach to recycling and waste minimisation,” he concluded.
For further information or comment contact or CCSA Campaigner Mr Jamnes Danenberg on 0411 028 930 or 8223 5155
