Bagbusters

Plastic bag reduction program

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Bagbusters on Facebook

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If you have an account on Facebook, visit our Facebook page and join our 7-Day Plastic Bag-Free Challenge. Share your tips and experience as you go plastic bag free!

Marrickville Council's award-winning plastic bag reduction program, Bagbusters, aims to reduce the number of plastic shopping bags used in the local government area. By reducing plastic bags, we can:

  • decrease plastic pollution and litter;
  • maximise resource efficiency; and
  • reduce contamination in Marrickville Council's household recycling and green waste streams.

Bagbusters News

Marrickville Council supports petition calling for ban on lightweight plastic bags in NSW

The petition urges the NSW government to introduce legislation to place a state-wide ban on single-use plastic shopping bags at retail points of sale.

Take action today!

  • Download and print this attached hard copy petition (PDF), sign and ask your family and friends to also sign, and send the signed petition to: Bagbusters, Marrickville Council, PO Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049
  • Go to www.gopetition.com.au
  • Visit Facebook and search for "Plastic Bag Free NSW by 2012"

Plastic Bag Facts
 

For the Community
 

  • How you can help!
    Learn easy steps you can take to reduce plastic shopping bags in your community.
     
  • Take the 7-Day Plastic Bag-Free Challenge!
    Think it's impossible to go plastic bag-free? Think again! Try these eco-friendly tips and curb your need for plastic bags!
     
  • 7-Day Plastic Bag-Free Challenge - Case Study
    Josie, who is a local resident, decided to take on the challenge and to say no to plastic bags. Here is a summary of her experience, including her own ideas and personal challenges.
       
  • Recycle your plastic bags
    Learn why plastic bags should not be placed in your kerbside recycling and where special plastic bag recycling bins are located near you.
     
  • Overview of plastic bags and the alternatives
    Find out about the different types of plastic bags used in Australia, and each of the popular alternatives.
     
  • Plastic bag reduction around the world
    Different countries around the world have taken a range of actions to reduce plastic bag consumption. Here is a snapshot of how countries are tackling the issue.
     
  • Volunteer
    The Bagbusters project is supported by an enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers. Join us!

For Businesses
 

For Educators
 

  • Resources for youth educators
    Useful links with activities for school-aged children.
     
  • How to get your school involved
    Parents learn good eco-habits from their children.  By involving students, schools can play an active role in reducing the use of plastic bags in their local environment.  Find out how your school can partner with the Bagbusters program.
     
  • Bagbusters strategies
    The Bagbusters program has developed a suite of activities for community education. Watch this short video to learn more (requires Windows Media Player or another WMV-compatible player or browser plug-in).

Other Useful Links
 

  • The Watershed
    The Watershed is a urban sustainability resource centre and is a joint effort of Marrickville Council and the City of Sydney.  Visit this site to view The Watershed's schedule of workshops to help you reduce your dependency on plastic bags, like worm farming, composting, and more.
     
  • Ban the Bag
    A campaign which aims to: 1) to lobby governments to make national the South Australian ban on plastic bags; 2) to encourage retailers to ban plastic bags as soon as possible; and 3) to encourage the public to change their personal bag behaviour and support retail initiatives to fully eliminate plastic checkout bags.
     
  • We All Win When We Get Rid of Plastic Bags
    A joint effort of the Department of Environment and Heritage, Clean Up Australia, and the Australian Retailers Association detailing plastic bag phase-outs and alternatives to plastic shopping bags.
     
  • Bag Smart
    Bag Smart is a social marketing campaign to reduce plastic shopping bags and has been operating since September 2003.  Training materials and other resources are available.
     
  • The Dangers of Plastic Bags (PDF)
    A compelling presentation detailing the damage caused by plastic bags and how using reusable bags can make a significant difference.
     
  • Planet Ark
    The website for Planet Ark's plastic bag reduction campaign offers tips for retailers, shoppers, and municipalities alike.
     
  • Coles Bay, Australia's First Plastic Bag-Free Town
    Read a case study about how Coles Bay phased out plastic bags in 2003.
     
  • South Australia's Plastic Bag Phase Out
    South Australia's plastic bag ban went into effect on 4 May 2009. This South Australia Government website provides resources for retailers as they prepared for the ban.
     
  • Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities - Plastic Bags
    Detailed reports outlining the current climate of plastic bags.
     
  • Reusable Bags
    Since 2003, this site has served as a hub for reporters, bloggers, politicians and grassroots activists by providing solid information on plastic bag consumption and driving the issue to mainstream consciousness.