South Australia Totally Bans Single-use Plastic Bags
- Posted by: Patrick James
- on May 4, 2009 at 6:51 pm
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For the past four months, shoppers in South Australia have been encouraged to bring their own bags to grocery stores. As of today, the state has officially banned single-use plastic shopping bags. We’ve covered similar measures in U.S. cities and other countries before, and as with all previous examples, we’d like to offer a tip of the hat.
There are a few exceptions to the prohibition—such as the small plastic bags in fruit sections of supermarkets, the heavy-weight plastic bags at some clothing retailers, and some compostable bio-plastic bags (not unlike those discussed in today’s Look piece)—but this should result in a dramatic waste reduction.
The above PSA would seem to have helped in prepping people for the shift, but I’m guessing that only now—that is, now that the bags have been phased out (and now that stores face the threat of $15,000 fines for using them)—will the real behavioral transformation take place. My only criticism is that the same thing isn’t happening soon enough over here. Then again, 2010 is right around the corner.
DISCUSSION: 3 Comments
Speaking of Australians and canvas bags…
Its great that they have been banned but will the restrictions be enforced?
thank god plastic bags have been banned it is good for your enviromentthanks for this information closeouts