Council trying to reduce plastic bags

ABOUT 180,000 plastic bags are given out to Whitsunday shoppers each week, equating to 9.3 million bags each year.

Council decided on Tuesday to look at ways to reduce this number.

A report was put together for council last year which looked at the use of plastic bags in the Whitsundays.

It suggested different ways people could minimise this number mulberry alexa and reduce the impact on the environment, especially to our water ways and marine life.

Some community members were also surveyed to gauge their opinion on the issue.

Mayor Mike Brunker said council understood plastic bags were re-used in the home and a total ban on them would not be fully supported.

“We will emphasise the word voluntary in our approach,” he said.

In the coming weeks a committee will be set up to discuss what area the voluntary ban will target, its benefits and how to generate some positive social and environmental outcomes from the project.

Eco-barge services director Libby Edge has been one of the Whitsundays' biggest advocates for reducing plastic. She said it was great news to hear about mulberry bags sale council's decision this week. “I'll be behind them 100 per cent,” she said.

“Each individual can take a positive step to reduce their plastic usage.

“Recycle the plastic bags you have and ask how can I be limiting my usage.

“Any plastic you do have, make sure you dispose of it properly.”