State hopes bag campaign is habit-forming

THE state government has launched a new campaign to encourage Victorians to use reusable shopping bags, ahead of a 2019 ban on lightweight, single-use plastic bags.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio last week launched the Better Bag Habits campaign to remind Victorians to remember their “bag, wallet, keys and phone” when leaving the house.

Research commissioned by Sustainability Victoria found about three-quarters of Victorians already carry reusable bags when food shopping.

Young Victorians and those on higher incomes have been slowest to say no to single-use bags, particularly when shopping for non-food items.

The new campaign will run on social media and radio.

The state government’s ban on single-use plastic bags will come into effect late next year and will apply to shopping bags less than 35 microns thick.

Community consultation on the change attracted more than 8,000 submissions, with 96 per cent in favour of the ban.

Labor says it is also working with other Australian states and territories towards a national phase-out of thick plastic bags to further reduce plastic pollution in the environment.

“Victorians are already saying no to plastic bags, but this campaign will encourage everyone to make it a habit,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“We’re stopping plastic pollution and ensuring Victorians are ready to live without single-use, lightweight plastic bags.”

For more information, head to sustainability.vic.gov.au.