Bundaberg businesses have declared a “war on waste” in a bid to protect the environment.
Local businesses including Nana’s Pantry and Learmonth’s Foodworks will now stock reusable shopping bags made from donated recycled fabric to reduce the use of single use plastic bags in the community.
The reusable shopping bags have been handcrafted by local volunteers who have formed a group known as ‘Boomerang Bags Bundaberg’ to cut back on waste.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, who has sponsored the Boomerang Bags Bundaberg initiative since inception, said the campaign will have a significant impact on the environment.
“This is about changing people’s attitudes when they are out shopping and allowing our community to take the lead on reducing waste and pollution,” Mr Bennett said.
“The Boomerang Bag initiative makes us stop to really think about the impact each and every one of us has and understand that the choices we make can and does make a difference to the health of our environment.
“It’s encouraging to see local groups and businesses that are dedicated to discouraging the reliance on plastics to cut back on waste and rid the region of plastic pollution.
“Every Boomerang bag replaces about 700 plastic bags, and it’s estimated that 100 recyclable bags will replace two tonne of plastic rubbish.”
Speaking at the official launch of Boomerang Bags Bundaberg, the group’s spokesperson Carmen McEneany said she was ecstatic that the initiative was taking off in the region.
“I’m so excited that this is becoming a reality in such a short space of time, and it’s only because of the amazing group of people who have been working tirelessly making these beautiful bags,” Ms McEneany said.
“What I would love to see the most is these bags being made in all schools by kids of all ages. They are the ones who are going to be growing up needing to keep saving our planet that is being so badly damaged by plastic and waste.”
Nana’s Pantry owner Leisa Storey said the business was “absolutely thrilled” to be a part of the campaign to reduce waste in the community.
“I think the boomerang bags are such an amazing idea…. the group has done an amazing job and I think it will really work well,” Ms Storey said.
“We’ve got paper bags here to use and encourage people to bring their own containers.
“We are a bulk food store so we are all about reducing the environmental footprint… this is a perfect fit for us.”
ENDS.
20 June 2017