Bans on single-use plastic bags have rolled out across two more states on July 1, with some major retailers already banning the bags nationally.
The ban on single-use plastic bags came into place for both WA and Queensland on July 1, with major supermarkets already phasing out the bags nationally.
But the greener approach has not been without its hiccups.
Woolworths brought their ban in on June 20th and have reported a backlash in states where bans are not in place, with customers refusing to pay for reusable bags.
The company says it will hand out free reusable bags in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and WA until July 8th to help its customers adjust to the new system.
Competitor Coles began their ban on July 1st, with the supermarket saying it has taken extra steps to protect its staff from what’s been dubbed “Bag Rage.”
Reducing plastic usage has been on the table for a number of years, with states like South Australia banning plastic bags in 2009.
Nationally, four States and Territories already have single-use bag bans in place and on the 1st of July, WA and Queensland will be joining them as new legislation comes into place.
This leaves Victoria, who recently announced they will join the ban in 2019, and New South Wales who are the only state without plans to phase out the bags.
But taking the war on plastic further is already being discussed, with a Senate inquiry recommending all single-use plastics including takeaway containers, plastic-lined coffee cups and chip packets be phased out by 2023.
It’s an idea echoed by WA Environment Minister, Stephen Dawson, who has been promoting the upcoming bag ban in his state.
While environment groups are welcoming the ban, they’re aware that much more needs to be done to reduce our plastic waste going forwards, with projects looking at banning other single use plastics on the radar.
Piers Verstegen is from the Conservation Council of Western Australia and says he has seen a surge in support for more sustainable ways to use plastics.
Mr Verstegen says reducing single-use plastics is critical in protecting our waterways and oceans, which are already at choking point.
For now, shoppers will have to adjust to a life without single-use bags before any more major changes come in.
