NO TO PLASTIC BAGS

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23035724-5013871,00.html

Researchers bag plastic plan
Matthew Warren, Environment writer January 11, 2008

THE Rudd Government's plan to phase out plastic bags this year defies independent research that has warned a ban will be four times more expensive than the environmental harm caused.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett has said he will pursue a phase-out of plastic shopping bags from supermarkets by the end of the year, imposing a ban if considered necessary.

Mr Garrett's decision comes before he receives advice from a working group established by environment ministers last year on reviewing options to reduce plastic bag litter. It is due to report in April.

It also defies previous warnings by the Productivity Commission that such bans should not proceed unless supported by "transparent cost-benefit analysis", suggesting tougher anti-litter laws and greater community participation as alternatives.

Industry was critical of the Government's announcement yesterday, given the lack of detailed technical work to support the move as the best solution to the problem.

Packaging Council chief executive Gavin Williams said the publicity surrounding plastic bags far exceeded their environmental impact, as most of the bags were re-used in the home.

"Plastic bags are a visible but minor environmental issue which already have received far more attention, time and effort than is warranted," Mr Williams said. "There are far more important environmental issues for us to concentrate on."

The plastics and chemicals industry yesterday described the Government's approach as an over-reaction, saying tougher penalties should be enforced against littering.

Plastics and Chemical Industry Association chief executive Margaret Donnan said a ban on plastic bags would only disadvantage consumers and businesses while doing nothing to address littering.

"Responsible consumers have almost halved their usage of plastic bags in less than two years and many households also re-use the bags they do receive when purchasing groceries and other goods," Ms Donnan said.

Major retailers have warned a phase-out affecting only supermarkets will do almost nothing to address the problem of bags littering the streets.

Australian National Retailers chief executive Margie Osmond said the body's research showed the main source of plastic bag litter was from small purchases at corner shops.

An Allen Consulting Report prepared for the Environment Protection and Heritage Council in 2006 projected that a ban could cost more than $1 billion over the next 10 years in slower checkouts and retraining, only partially offset by the environmental benefits.

A subsequent Access Economics report commissioned by the major retailers last year said bans on the use of plastic bags rather than strategies to reduce littering were unlikely to be effective and would just add costs to consumers.