Geelong Sustainability advocates thrilled to say goodbye to plastic bags

Geelong’s environmental warriors have welcomed a state government move to ban all single-use plastic bags from shops by the end of the year.

Fred Ritman and Dan Cowdell from Geelong Sustainability group happy about banning single use plastic bags, to keep them out of our waterways. picture: Glenn Ferguson

GEELONG’s environmental warriors have welcomed a state government move to ban all single-use plastic bags from shops by the end of the year.

The new legislation, which comes into effect on November 1, will stop all stores from selling or distributing thin plastic bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less.

The ban will come more than a year after major supermarkets phased out single use plastic bags.

Geelong Sustainability group spokeswoman Noreen Nicholson said the ban was a “fantastic move” that would help protect the state’s rivers, oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution.

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“We have microplastics now in oceans and we need to do something,” Ms Nicholson said.

“Young people are now leading the charge for a much greater awareness around plastic pollution and the environment.”

The ban will apply to bags being provided at retail outlets including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores and service stations.

The State Government is also working with retailers, industries and community to develop an action plan to cut other types of plastic pollution.

Ms Nicholson said major supermarkets should now look at reducing plastic packaging on fruit and vegetables and other food goods.

State energy, environment and climate change minister Lily D’Ambrosio said plastic created a significant environmental problem and Victorians were overwhelmingly supportive of banning single-use plastic shopping bags.

Originally published as Geelong Sustainability advocates thrilled to say goodbye to plastic bags