Vic counts down to plastic bag ban

A state-wide plastic bag ban will take effect in Victoria from 1 November 2019. The ban applies to lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less, including degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags. The ban represents the state government’s first step towards reducing single-use and unnecessary plastics.

To instigate changes in consumer behaviour ahead of the ban, Sustainability Victoria has launched the Better Bag Habits campaign. The initiative aims to build on positive community support by offering simple tips and ideas to help Victorians build better bag habits and get used to remembering their bags.

Better Bag Habits has enlisted the help of comedian Sam Simmons to promote the ‘Bag, Wallet, Keys, Phone’ tagline through a series of online videos and adverts. The catchy jingle aims to help Victorians remember to take a re-usable bag with them every day.

Research carried out by Sustainability Victoria highlights that about three-quarters of Victorians are already using re-usable bags when shopping for food and other items such as clothes and shoes. Of those using re-usable bags, older Victorians are most likely to remember their bags and females top the bill as being the most likely to use re-usable bags when shopping compared with males. Currently, almost 77% of Victorians are in favour of the forthcoming ban.

Sustainability Victoria’s Interim CEO, Carl Muller, commented on the Better Bag Habits campaign: “With just over a month to go, it is great to see that Victorians are taking positive steps to reduce their single-use plastic consumption and build better habits around re-usable bags.

“Research shows that these early adopters are more motivated to take charge of their overall plastic consumption, leading the way in their communities.

“When the ban comes into effect, carrying a re-usable bag will be second nature to us, like picking up your wallet, keys and phone before leaving the house,” he said.

For more information, visit www.betterbaghabits.vic.gov.au.