I’m quite proud to say that in my home state of South Australia, the Government has already committed to introduce a complete ban on plastic bags in 2009, while the Vics over the border have a trial levy program: pay an extra 10–25 cents at the register for every plastic bag you use. But in general, the facts are grim.
Australians use 7 billion plastic shopping bags annually, which impact our eco-systems by using energy and non-renewable resources in production, which in turn produces greenhouse gases. Added to this, each year around 80 million plastic bags end up as litter or landfill – on beaches, and in our waterways and marine environment. Planet Ark estimates 100,000 birds, whales, seals and sea turtles are killed each year by plastic bags. And the final word? Plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to break down.
Fortunately, there’s hope on the horizon. Chilli Promotions has created the Ultimate Biodegradable Plastic Bag (www.chilligogreen.com.au) – a compostable alternative that is 100% biodegradable and 100% carbon neutral, and takes only six months to turn back into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. Unlike traditional plastic bags that are produced using petroleum-based resources and fossil fuels, which lead to greenhouse emissions, this little angel is made of renewable, sustainable cornstarch. Now we just need supermarket chains to make the switch and give consumers a choice.
- Contact your local supermarket and request the Ultimate Biodegradable Plastic Bag as an alternative to traditional plastic bags
- Petition the large supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and IGA to give away the Ultimate Biodegradable Plastic Bag FREE at your local supermarket. As the bags are reusable, biodegradable and compostable, your local supermarket and you will be exempt from the plastic bag levy
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