Cohen on ‘Target’ to ban plastic bags - 1 May 2009

“I commend the decision of one Australia’s largest retailers, Target, for deciding to cease using plastic bags in its stores. It is a pioneering example of basic corporate social responsibility that I wish more companies would take up,” says NSW Greens environmental spokesperson Ian Cohen.

“This is a win for the environment. Target, in joining with other retailers like Aldi and Ikea in not providing plastic bags, are really showing up the NSW Government and the Environment Minister that are continuing to fail on waste avoidance and recycling.

“I will be introducing my Private Members’ Bill, the Plastic Shopping Bags (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2009 into the NSW Parliament to ban single use plastic bags later this year. The NSW Government will have an opportunity to join South Australia in reducing the environmental impact of plastic bags.”

“Most people polled support a ban on plastic bags. Let’s hope that the NSW Government can see sense and support this bill,” says Mr Cohen.

“Close to 4 billion plastic bags are being handed out each year in Australia and of that only 15% million are recycled, leaving 3.3 billion in landfill. Production of plastic bags uses crude oil, gas and coal. The 2002 Nolan ITU Report for Environment Australia reveals that just 8.7 plastic checkout bags contain enough embodied petroleum energy to drive a car 1 kilometre.”

“It’s about time NSW took responsibility for the millions of tonnes of plastic waste that go into landfill each year. Sea animals mistake them for jelly fish and die from ingesting plastic bags - it is a tragedy,” says Mr Cohen.

“When Minister Garrett couldn’t get a national consensus, South Australia decided to go it alone and has been phasing out bags with a full ban coming into effect next week. Combined with South Australia’s container deposit scheme, SA is years ahead in waste management and avoidance.”

“My Private Members’ Bill should be supported by all parties. There is no reason why NSW has to endure the consequences of these environmental menaces any longer. There are plenty of alternatives to plastic bags. If the State leads, consumers have already shown they will follow.”


More information: Catherine Coorey 0402 315 345 and Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466