Courtesy of the Victorian Litter Action Alliance.
- If you're only buying a couple of items, consider carrying them.
- When
shopping, take alternatives to plastic bags with you such as calico
bags, string bags, baskets or boxes. Keep them in the car so they're
handy.
- Count the number of plastic bags you use each week and
aim at least to halve that number - you'll find it quite easy once it's
a conscious effort.
- Be aware that the heavy (LDPE) bags used
by most non-supermarket retailers are non-recyclable, so the best
action is to avoid accepting them
- If you have no other option
than to accept plastic bags at the checkout, make sure at least eight
items are in each bag - depending of course on the weight of the items.
- Degradable alternatives such as biodegradable cornstarch bags
and degradable plastic bags are currently being trialled by some
retailers. Be aware that these options will be available to consumers
soon and support the initiative.
- Find a local supermarket
that offers recycling facilities for plastic supermarket bags, such as
Coles or Woolworths. Take your used plastic supermarket bags back for
recycling the next time you go shopping. If you can't find the
recycling bin, suggest to the store manager that it's put in a more
prominent place.
- Be careful to check which plastic bags are
accepted at the recycling bins - it is only possible to recycle HDPE
plastic bags used by most supermarkets, not the heavier bags used by
other retailers (LDPE).
- Ask the store about its policy on recycling and packaging.
- There
are many ways to reuse plastic bags at home including: freezing food;
packing children's school lunches; storage of clothing and other
household items; or while walking your dog, to name just a few.
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How You Can Help
