Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce moves for a plastic bag-free environment
Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce is asking businesses if they would like to become single-use plastic bag-free.
The chamber said the move followed a presentation from Australian Sea Bird Rescue and interested individuals, which prompted it to support a project that would reduce, and hopefully eradicate, the demand for single-use plastic carry bags in Lennox Head.
“This is phase one of the campaign, Lennox by the Sea – Plastic Bag Free,” the chamber said.
“The facts about the damage done by plastic bags are not widely known, but frightening – blocked drains, increased litter, choked oceans, strangled birds, and poisoned fish and marine life.
“Many countries, and South Australia, have already legislated against their use and the Lennox Chamber thought it would be a great way to bring the community together on a positive environmental project that is particularly relevant in a beachside community like ours.
“These bags are the most widely used and yet most easily replaced with more environmentally friendly and reusable bags.
“The plastic weigh bags and containers, such as those used by butchers, fishmongers, delicatessens and other food providers, are not included in the initial campaign.
“We understand that for many businesses this will be a significant challenge and that unless it is done in a positive and supportive environment, it could affect business.
“Some businesses have special requirements and there are hygiene considerations too. These are issues that we hope we can solve together as a community.”
The chamber said that everyone needed to be involved.”This is why everyone must know about the campaign – both businesses and households,” it said.
“We hope that it will be the shoppers and customers who drive the campaign by purchasing and remembering to bring their own reusable alternatives so that the demand for plastic bags gradually declines.
“We hope to launch a significant local media campaign reminding people to take their reusable bags when they go shopping.”
On the issue of tourists and visitors, the chamber said: “Of course, we are a holiday village and not everyone will know about our plastic bag-free project, so there will need to be alternatives provided.
“We hope that perhaps visitors will learn about the campaign through signs that will be placed at the entrances to our village and through the availability of alternative calico bags with our plastic bag-free logo on display.
“The catchy phrase ‘Lennox by the Sea – Plastic Bag Free’ could become the slogan we are all very proud of in the future, and something that makes visitors want to come here and proudly display their reusable bags.”
The chamber plans to hold an information session soon where businesse owners can come and get their questions answered and find out more from Australian Seabird Rescue about the damage done by the plastic carry bags, followed by a launch of the project during May.
Business owners are being asked theck out these websites for alternatives:
May 21st, 2009 at 9:29 am
Congratulations Lennox Head!
In this the United Nations Year of Natural Fibres however , I cannot understand why politicians and environmentalists do not publicise the use of natural fibre bags such as jute bags and organic cotton bags. Why is it that these natural fibre bags, and the Year of Natural Fibres, have such a low profile amongst politicians and environmentalists?