| March 2022 |
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There’s a lot happening in the zero waste area and since our establishment in 2003 Boomerang has made an impact. Bans on single use plastics are being introduced across the nation; by 2023 Australia will be fully covered with container refund schemes; new bottle to bottle plants are being built; and a global plastic pollution treaty is being negotiated.
It’s a good start but there’s more to do. This Newsletter also tells you about our ongoing work to introduce reusables (bags, cups or foodware); the challenge of fruit and veg plastic packaging; expanding Plastic Free Places; and key policies for the upcoming federal election. The momentum must continue.
We can do this with your support and strategic collaborations with key groups in business, government and, of course, our 55 NGO allies. The circular economy is not just a theory – it can become reality.
Jeff Angel
Director
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While South Australia has led the way in most categories of single-use plastic bans, followed closely by Queensland and the ACT, the other states are making ground - especially Western Australia.
- WA has brought in regulations to ban the heavyweight (commonly 15c) plastic supermarket bags and helium balloon releases, from January 2022 but not actively enforced until July 2022.
- Queensland was the first to ban polystyrene foodware and plates, cups and bowls (if not enclosed with a lid) from September 2021 and ACT is the first to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds (from July 2022).
- At this stage it looks like the only thing NSW may blaze a trail in is banning plastic fruit stickers - they are thinking about this!
See the table above for who has done what and when or who is considering action according to their public announcements.
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FEDERAL ELECTION - PUSH FOR POLICIES
With a Commonwealth election looming, we have sent all the major parties our list of priorities for the next Parliament. When you go to vote, we would ask that you consider these particular issues. They are important to address plastic pollution and solving our continuing waste problems.
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CONTAINER REFUND LAW WINS
Some years ago at a Global Deposit Conference in London, it was predicted Australia could be the first continent to be fully covered by bottle and can refund laws (CRS). This is about to happen!
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REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS SHOULD BE EVERYWHERE
The Boomerang Alliance and our allies have released our national Heavyweight Shopping Bag Plan that calls for regulations to eliminate single-use shopping bags and switch to only reusable bags within two years.
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PLASTIC FREE PLACES
In the five years since its inception, our Plastic Free Places (PFP) program has eliminated, or removed over 11 million single use takeaway plastic items. This includes straws, cutlery, coffee cups/lids, cups, plastic containers, and single-use water bottles.
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TIME TO PHASE OUT SINGLE USE TAKEAWAY PACKAGING
Only an estimated 3% of takeaway cups and containers are considered reusable in Australia. We have one of the lowest reusable/refillable container use rates in the world. A staggering indictment on our progress towards sustainability.
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HOW GOOD ARE YOUR HOT CROSS BUNS? MAKE SURE YOUR EASTER DOESN'T HARM WILDLIFE
Every year as early as January a product pops up in plastic bags at the supermarkets and stays until Easter... I think you know we are referring to hot cross buns. After the hot cross buns are eaten the plastic bags they came in often go to landfill, and sadly some landfill sites leak plastic due to wind and wildlife like foraging birds. If they end up in waterways then they can endanger many more wildlife.
How can we reduce the extra plastic waste and potential plastic pollution created by yummy hot cross buns?
- Reduce the extra plastic waste by supporting your local bakery where you can usually get them in paper bags.
- If you don't have a local bakery, check your supermarket and ask them if you can get hot cross buns in alternative bags in future.
Let's all use less plastic all year 'round.
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SIGN THE BALLOON RELEASE BAN PETITION
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| We would not have been able to do all these works without our supporters. Please donate so we can continue our fight against plastic pollution. |
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