Platinum Bags

I’m incredibly excited about the WA Government’s decision to finally ban single use plastic bags on 1 July 2018. As a surf lifesaver and lover of our wonderful coastline and water ways, I believe this is a positive step towards preserving some of what we all take for granted. Not only will the ban significantly contribute to a much-needed reduction in plastic bag waste, it will also help us to preserve our delicate marine ecological system and marine life.

One of the main reasons I became involved with Platinum Bags was because I’m passionate about reducing plastic waste by offering up viable and re-useable alternatives. For the ban on single use plastic bags to be effective extensive education is the key. Studies done in communities around the world that have banned plastic bags show that a green/re-usable bag has to be used more than 23 times before it becomes a better option than single-use bags – https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/everyday-shopping/supermarkets/articles/sustainable-shopping-bags

I know that it will be challenging for both consumers and retailers to adopt a new way of thinking but the positive environmental impact will be considerable. We still have a long way to go but this is a step in the right direction. Many retailers have been offering re-usable and plastic alternatives for many years so it is now time for everyone to get on board. Well done WA!

For more information have a look at the WA Government’s “Implementing a lightweight single-use plastic bag ban in Western Australia” discussion paper at https://www.der.wa.gov.au/images/documents/our-work/consultation/Plastic_bag_ban/Plastic-bag-ban_discussion-paper.pdf