SOME Swan Hill businesses have begun implementing the state government’s ban on single-use plastic bags.
The ban is aimed at reducing plastic pollution and help protect the environment.
From November 1, single-use plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less have been banned from all retail outlets, including supermarkets, fashion stores, fast food outlets, pharmacies and service stations.
Cheap as Chips manager Maria Lee-Jones told The Guardian the store had no problems with the ban.
“People have had plenty of notice and we’ve found the transition pretty smooth so far,” she said.
Ms Lee-Jones said she supported the initiate to cut down on single-use plastic.
“I think it’s a good thing, nearly everything is wrapped in plastic but we have to start cutting back.
“It’s a habit we’re all going to have to get used to.”
To assist customers who have forgotten their own bags, Cheap as Chips has 25-cent paper bags or $2 material bags available for purchase.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the ban would “slash waste, reduce litter and help protect marine life in Victoria’s pristine waters”.
“An overwhelming 96 per cent of Victorians are in favour of banning single-use plastic bags and we’ve delivered,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“We’ve been working closely with businesses to plan for the ban and to help them to play their part in protecting our environment.”
The plastic bag ban is part of a suite of government measures designed to reduce the impact of plastic pollution, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and strengthen Victoria’s recycling industry.
It is also a major step in protecting Victoria’s rivers, waterways, oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution.
