Renewed call to remember bags

SHOPPERS are being reminded to bring their own reusable bags to the checkout with a new campaign led by Sustainability Victoria.

A statement from the organisation noted that despite nearly three quarters of Victorians wanting to reduce their use of single-use plastics, the issue of forgetting shopping bags remained.

CEO Claire Ferres Miles said the initiative was focused on promoting easy ways people can develop the green routine.

“Building habits to make it easy to remember reusable bags is a simple step that all Victorians can take to reduce waste,” she said.

The advertising, community engagement and public relations campaign is funded by the State Government and includes tips like keeping reusable bags by the front door or in the car and trying out reusable fruit and vegetable bags.

It also forms part of the State Government’s efforts to develop a circular economy to reduce waste and strengthen the recycling system in Victoria.

Lightweight plastic bags were first banned in the state in 2019, with that rule to be extended to single-use straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers and cotton bud sticks in February next year.

For more tips on remembering reusable shopping bags, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/bags.