Victorians divided over state’s ban on single-use plastic bags

SUPERMARKET shoppers are divided on the state government’s plan to ban plastic bags, which will strip all Victorian checkouts of the ­single-use bags.

Renee Hampton — with her son, Sebastian, 8 months and sister, Nicole Hampton — says she likes the convenience of plastic bags. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

SUPERMARKET shoppers are divided on the state government’s plan to ban plastic bags.

The ban, likely to come into effect next year, will strip all Victorian checkouts of the ­single-use bags, leaving customers to find their own way to cart their groceries home.

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The controversial policy has been shunned by some shoppers, who say reusable bags are costly and inconvenient, and that they rely on plastic bags for picking up dog poo or lining their bins.

Others have welcomed the decision, hailing it as a step in the right direction for protecting the environment.

Some shoppers feel reusable bags are not convenient.

The Herald Sun visited a shopping centre in Frankston to gauge shoppers’ reaction.

Sisters Renee and Nicole Hampton said they liked the convenience of plastic bags.

Renee said: “Reusable bags are quite big and bulky which makes it hard for me because I mostly use public transport.”

Michael Peirce, 57, of Langwarrin said it was “crazy” to force shoppers to pay for bags.

Seaford shopper John Guerra, 58, did not support the ban, predicting it “won’t stick”.

“The government shouldn’t be worried about plastic bags and worry about the money it is wasting everywhere else. Plastic bags are the least of our problems.”

Chris Brennan, 48, fears bans would only drive up demand for other plastic-based products. “They are convenient. I use them a lot around home. Banning them may result in people just buying other plastic alternatives,” he said.

Tom Wiebell says it ‘gets under his skin’ seeing shoppers use plastic bags. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

However, other shoppers said the ban was well overdue.

Henry Castle, 20, from Mornington, said we need to stop plastic bags winding up in landfill.

“Plastic bags aren’t biodegradable. We need to protect the environment we live in.”

Olivia Montgomery, 28, from Frankston South, said: “The ban is good. People use them once and then get rid of them.”

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio dismissed criticism from the Greens that the action was only being taken because of the Northcote by-election where Labor faces a huge fight to hold the seat from the far-left party.

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio. Picture: AAP

Greens MP Nina Springle said if the government was serious about cutting plastic pollution it would vote on the party’s own Bill that is before state parliament.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy labelled the announcement “panicked” and “bizarre”.

Retailers have shown support for the move but want to ensure consumers are aware of the changes before they come into effect.

A discussion paper released by the government says without a ban on lightweight bags, an extra 300 million of them would be used over the next 10 years and many would find their way into waterways or landfill.

Macca’s perspective.

ALTERNATIVE USES FOR PLASTIC BAGS

Pick up dog poo

Bin liners

Transport lunch to work

Dispose of nappies

Reuse for shopping

Seal paint can

Store wet or dirty clothes

A mitt to spread furniture wax or polish

Protect fruit on trees from  pests or frost

Tie around shoes to  protect from water damage

Stuff them into a pillow case as a pillow alternative

Wrap around fragile items to protect them

Transport unpotted plants

A filler for shallow-root pot plants to minimise amount of soil required

Braid into a jump rope

Cat litter liner

Protect car wipers or mirrors during frost

Keep cereal fresh

Knee pads when gardening

Fill gaps near pipes or ducts before applying a sealant

Wrap around coat hangers to reduce slipping

Freezer bags

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@AneekaSimonis