Plastic shopping bags
Plastic bags are incredibly dangerous to our wildlife and environment. Bring your own reusable bags and help put an end to this plastic waste.
What you can do
Choose to refuse single-use shopping bags
How can you do it
Reusable shopping bags are a fantastic alternative to single-use plastic bags. It’s a great idea to keep a stash of your reusable bags somewhere where you’ll remember them; like in the boot of your car or by your front door. You can also get into the habit of writing a reminder to yourself at the start of each grocery shopping list.
Reusable bags go beyond just grocery shopping – bring them along for all shopping trips! There are even purse/pocket sized reusable bags that you can keep on hand for emergencies.
Taking the next steps
To make an even greater impact, consider making your own reusable shopping bags using repurposed fabric. Check out the Boomerang Bags movement, there are even local groups to join.
If you prefer to buy, choose bags that are made from natural fibres such as such ethically-produced cotton, jute, or hemp or recycled plastic bottles.
For those living in places that have not banned the plastic bag yet, get involved with a local advocacy group and petition your governing body to make a change!
The impact
- Plastic is fatal for animals who mistake it for food or become entangled in it
- Plastic bags break up into tiny micro plastics and remain indefinitely in the environment
- By choosing to refuse plastic bags, you can save around 500 plastic bags per year from entering our oceans and landfill
