Say NO to Plastic Bags
South Australia just did, Ireland said NO years ago - it's time for New Zealand to do the right thing and say NO to Plastic Bags.
It is ridiculously easy to stop using them, much easier than learning how to ride a bike, brush your teeth or tie your shoes. It is this simple - when you go shopping, take your own reusable bags and when someone asks you if you want a plastic one say no.
In 2004 our two big grocery retailers signed a voluntary accord to reduce plastic bag usage by 20% over 5 years. They are on track to meet this target and while this is a good start a 20% reduction is nowhere near enough. When Ireland introduced a levy of 0.15 euro per bag usage plummeted by over 90% in 5 months. When South Australia's ban comes in to effect in 2009 their usage will drop by, you guessed it, 100%.
It is unreasonable to expect the retailers to solve this problem on their own. Meaningful progress requires action from political leaders, businesses and individuals. But most of all it needs action from YOU.
