FOLLOWING the success of the ban on a variety of single-use plastic items in September this year, Queenslanders are now being asked to have their say on what other single-use plastics should be banned.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said consultation was now open to gauge how Queenslanders felt about the proposal to expand the ban to more single-use plastics.
“Items we are considering to be part of the ban next include coffee cups and lids, plastic drinking cups, dome lids like those used on milkshakes, plastic wrapping on magazines or newspapers, fruit and vegetable produce bags, expanded polystyrene meat trays, balloon sticks and closures, and bread bag tags,” she said.
GC&M News caught up with Liz Harris, a representative of the War on Waste (WOW) Glasshouse Country, about the ban. WOW is a passionate group of locals keen to make a difference in our local community.
Liz said it was wonderful that the Queensland Government wasn’t resting on its laurels with the ban on some single-use plastics introduced in September.
“Given how many coffee cups and lids, and plastic drinking cups with dome lids end up overflowing from public bins and littering public areas, WOW supports adding these plastic items to the banned list,” Liz said.
“Also of concern are polystyrene meat trays, which need to be replaced, at the very least, with recyclable alternatives.
“Beyond the scope of this survey, we’d love to see the Queensland Government working with other state governments towards a national ban on plastic cigarette filters, as cigarette butts are one of the litter items that end up in waterways and endanger birds and animals when eaten.”
Speaking on behalf of Waste Action Maleny (WAM), Yvonne Holmes said WAM would like to see all unnecessary single-use plastics removed from use as reusable alternatives were readily available in many instances.
“Takeaway coffee cups and lids are of particular interest and WAM is keen to work with the cafes in Maleny to actively promote the option of bringing your own refillable cup for your morning coffee,” Yvonne said.
“A public awareness and education campaign should be an integral part of any proposed ban.”
If you would like to have your say on this issue, fill out an online survey at www.qld.gov.au/supi
Submissions opened on December 6 and will close on January 28. All submissions received will be considered before the next phase of the single-use plastic items ban is rolled out.