Here is our green tip for the week:
Even if you’re not using plastic bags, remember to re-use your bags to actually reduce your environmental footprint.
You may have heard that following the ACT’s example, Woolies and Coles have agreed to ban lightweight plastic bags in supermarkets across the country. This is a step forward, but we need to remain vigilant about the impacts of lightweight plastic bag alternatives. Dr Trevor Thornton notes that in order to have a lower environmental impact per use than lightweight plastic bags, a paper bag would need to be reused at least four times and a cotton bag at least 173! See his article on the Conversation at https://theconversation.com/in-banning-plastic-bags-we-need-to-make-sure-were-not-creating-new-problems-81253.
Bec DeCourcy
Sustainability Officer
