A Range of Approaches Working Together

The problem with plastic bags may seem overwhelming and grim. However, an October 2003 Roy Morgan study showed that 87% of Australians were concerned about the impact plastic bags have on the environment. In addition, action is being taken to reduce the impact of plastic bags and a variety of solutions are being proposed.

The key groups involved in reducing the use of plastic bags are the federal Department of Environment and Heritage, the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (comprising the environment ministers of all Australian state and federal governments, as well as New Zealand and Papua New Guinea), Clean Up Australia, Planet Ark, Australian Retailers' Association, Plastic and Chemicals Industry Association and the Natural Heritage Trust. The Victorian Government recently announced a plastic bag free town challenge, a joint project of EcoRecycle Victoria and Planet Ark.

• EPHC's National Approach & Code of Practice
• History of EPHC decisions
• Community Programs
• Plastic Bag Levy
• Degradable Bags

This section summarises the state of play.