A whopping 900 million plastic bags have been eliminated across Queensland since the introduction of the state-wide lightweight plastic shopping bag ban last July, according to the National Retail Association (NRA).
NRA Manager of Industry Policy David Stout said that the achievement was only made possible by government, industry and consumers working together to ensure a smooth transition.
“The NRA has calculated that 900 million lightweight plastic shopping bags have been eliminated throughout Queensland since the ban came into effect 12 months ago,” Mr Stout said.
“On top this, we’ve seen a dramatic reduction in other types of bags being consumed. People are remembering their own bags and, even when they do forget, they’re choosing to go without a bag or purchasing as few reusable bags as possible.
“The decision to transition away from lightweight plastic shopping bags has been, without question, one of the most significant changes to the retail sector in a generation as shoppers had grown accustomed to receiving a free plastic bag.”
