It appears from the following study that the ban of single use plastics seems to be working. The idea of having collection bins to help the study seems like a good idea to me.
Maybe the other states could learn from WA?
New University of Notre Dame study reveals plastic waste 'drastically' reduced after bans
What do you mean by the term single use plastic. Many people refer to lightweight plastic shopping bags as single use plastic. We always use our lightweight plastic shopping bags as garbage bags. So by banning lightweight plastic shopping bags you are forcing us to buy thicker plastic garbage bags. So are thick plastic garbage bags considered to be single use plastic? (They obviously are only used once) Are thicker plastic garbage bags being counted by the WA survey as plastic waste?
Maybe the plastic waste is not decreasing but is simply being converted from single use to heavier plastic waste. Maybe the total amount of plastic waste is actually increasing.
aussiebottlo said
05:36 PM Apr 24, 2022
This has been a snow job by the supermarkets, they were very concerned about the environmental impact of the "single use" bags they gave away but are more than happy to sell them.
Buzz Lightbulb said
10:54 PM Apr 24, 2022
Derek Barnes wrote:
What do you mean by the term single use plastic. Many people refer to lightweight plastic shopping bags as single use plastic. We always use our lightweight plastic shopping bags as garbage bags. So by banning lightweight plastic shopping bags you are forcing us to buy thicker plastic garbage bags. So are thick plastic garbage bags considered to be single use plastic? (They obviously are only used once) Are thicker plastic garbage bags being counted by the WA survey as plastic waste?
Maybe the plastic waste is not decreasing but is simply being converted from single use to heavier plastic waste. Maybe the total amount of plastic waste is actually increasing.
Many of your questions are answered in the article.
Are We Lost said
11:19 PM Apr 24, 2022
aussiebottlo wrote:
This has been a snow job by the supermarkets, they were very concerned about the environmental impact of the "single use" bags they gave away but are more than happy to sell them.
Agree. It was a false premise that banning those free shopping bags would reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill. One of my family members used to use those free shopping for garbage until they were withdrawn. Now it's the much thicker 15c shopping bags. Or the rolls of made for the purpose garbage bags. Again, thicker.
I refuse to buy garbage bags on principal and use the smaller lightweight ones that you see on rolls in the fruit and vege sections. Sometimes the rubbish just gets emptied into the bin in bulk. That is what we should be doing, and giving the bin a clean when needed.
As the supermarkets look for more cost cutting ways they are removing the deli counter and only providing the same stuff in prepackaged units ... in plastic. If there was a serious effort to reduce single use plastic, the supermarkets should be given a target to reduce the amount of plastic that gets passed through the checkout. Make it a yearly improvement target.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Sunday 24th of April 2022 11:21:48 PM
dorian said
04:11 AM Apr 25, 2022
Once again people are denying the scientific evidence and relying instead on their personal anecdotal observations. Why do scientists even bother?
From my personal perspective, I was concerned that I would have to buy purpose made garbage bags. However, I have found that fruit and vegetable plastic is sufficient for my garbage disposal needs, although I need to change them more frequently. I also use bread wrappers to collect the soft plastic waste which I can then tie off.
As I see it, the focus is not so much on reducing overall plastic waste, but on limiting the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean. I don't think there is a direct correlation between the two.
Buzz Lightbulb said
11:24 AM Apr 25, 2022
Yes, the scientific study showed that there was less plastic in the study area after the bans.
That's the first study that I have seen to show the results of the ban. It would be nice if there were more studies in other areas to show if it is local, statewide or national.
The study relies partially on volunteers picking up rubbish and puting it into collection bins. It would be nice if those collection bins were located all around Australia for similar studies.
One can vocalise one's opinion of whether the bans work or not, but the study shows that the ban works.
Dhutime said
11:54 AM Apr 25, 2022
Well living in WA and now experiencing the no plastic bag ban at the major supermarkets, I must say its all ok . They no longer sell the plastic shopping bags but do sell the paper ones if you forget your own. They do however still supply the small plastic bags for fruit and vegetables. We in our city have the Fogo system for our food scrapes which go into our green waste bins . The city supplies compostable bags for this . Its not the end of the the world, just some adjustments were needed.
dogbox said
03:01 PM Apr 25, 2022
did not 60 minutes do a story on the compostable plastic bags an an found that even though they broke down much quicker the heavy metals that was left behind was much higher than the single use bags that broke down a lot slower ?
i do believe another outcome was that the multi use plastic bags had to be used x number(can't remember) of times to be more enviro friendly , and they usually gave up the ghost before reaching that number, so contributed more heavier plastic that takes longer to breakdown . the plastic may still be there just locked up for a while longer till all the heavier bags start to make their presents felt in the enviroment
we might have to go back to taking our goods home in paper bags or cardboard boxes ( back to save the trees)
we use to send our plastic refuse to china (visy did by the container load ) then they would send it back to us
-- Edited by dogbox on Monday 25th of April 2022 03:07:39 PM
Wanda said
02:09 PM Jun 21, 2022
Good to see, its not hard to collect all your plastic and take it back to Coles and put it in their bins for recycling or proper disposal.
If we all did just a bit, you know, the information is out there you just have to care!
Ian
86GTS said
02:15 PM Jun 21, 2022
Walking past our local MacDonald's while walking our dog a few mornings ago I commented on the rubbish strewn around.
Why are plastic straws banned when the lid for the cardboard container is a plastic dome with a hole for the straw to go thru?
They were everywhere.
Ivan 01 said
02:20 PM Jun 21, 2022
It appears we might ignore scientists geologists and other learned folk.
It seems now that a lawyer is providing comment on such subjects.
It sounds like a good idea. It appears that getting lawyers involved is essential to MAKE things happen.
Twiggy's TED talk on plastic could also help:
His proposal could benefit the underprivileged in undeveloped countries. Those people could collect plastic at tips and streets before it gets into to waterways and oceans. The plastic could then be taken to recycling plants to be converted into oil:
Of course this could also apply to developed countries with plastics that are not so easily recycled.
Ivan 01 said
02:09 PM Jun 22, 2022
Yes lawyers will be similar to scientists.
The lawyers on one side will act for that cause and the ones against,,,,,well we all know who pays for that.
Now lets look how Fair dinkum Australia is when it comes to disposing of plastic waste.
Read this and then tell us all how much those who are destroying us financially and industrially really care for the planet.
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Wednesday 22nd of June 2022 02:10:59 PM
Sussan Ley has a lot to answer for. Hopefully, the solutions that were previously shown will help prevent that pollution loophole that Ley has provided.
Buzz Lightbulb said
01:52 PM Jun 24, 2022
There's still a lot to do to address plastic waste but at least something IS being done rather than some just whinging about it.
Ivan 01 said
05:55 PM Jun 24, 2022
Turning a blind eye when the situation is not favourable doesnt fix it.
This is a classic example of make a big deal over plastic bags at Colesworths but dont dare mention what happens to the majority of our plastic waste.
BTW Colesworths still have plastic bags for those that want them. The difference between then and now is that now it is another little money maker for them because they charge 25c.
If any of this green save the planet crap was truly fair dinkum, you know what Buzz, none of us would be on here discussing it.
Gundog said
10:20 AM Jun 25, 2022
Ivan 01 wrote:
Turning a blind eye when the situation is not favourable doesnt fix it.
This is a classic example of make a big deal over plastic bags at Colesworths but dont dare mention what happens to the majority of our plastic waste.
BTW Colesworths still have plastic bags for those that want them. The difference between then and now is that now it is another little money maker for them because they charge 25c.
If any of this green save the planet crap was truly fair dinkum, you know what Buzz, none of us would be on here discussing it.
x2
Like others we used to reuse our free singlet bags as kitchen tidy bags, they changed the rules we now buy a roll of light weight plastic single use bags for kitchen waste, which goes to a bigger bin with another plastic bag as a bin liner.
Who are these clown's over educated fools, who are as dumb as dog $hit, think we are.
peter67 said
02:08 PM Jun 25, 2022
x3
Buzz Lightbulb said
02:16 PM Jun 25, 2022
Gundog wrote:
Ivan 01 wrote:
Turning a blind eye when the situation is not favourable doesnt fix it.
This is a classic example of make a big deal over plastic bags at Colesworths but dont dare mention what happens to the majority of our plastic waste.
BTW Colesworths still have plastic bags for those that want them. The difference between then and now is that now it is another little money maker for them because they charge 25c.
If any of this green save the planet crap was truly fair dinkum, you know what Buzz, none of us would be on here discussing it.
x2
Like others we used to reuse our free singlet bags as kitchen tidy bags, they changed the rules we now buy a roll of light weight plastic single use bags for kitchen waste, which goes to a bigger bin with another plastic bag as a bin liner.
Who are these clown's over educated fools, who are as dumb as dog $hit, think we are.
Maybe it's time to not line everything with plastic. We don't and if there is a smell problem we just wash the offending bin. That would save you money and sending plastic to landfill.
Ivan 01 said
07:14 PM Jun 25, 2022
I dont think in all reality that washing a kitchen waste bin to save using a liner will stop what is happening with the bulk of our plastic waste. Nor will it save the planet.
But by all means, if you are happy to do it then well done.
I might also ask as to what is the bin made of. From my observations these bins are mostly plastic.
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Saturday 25th of June 2022 07:18:05 PM
Craig1 said
08:23 PM Jun 25, 2022
Bring on wheelie bins made from corrugated galvanised iron, pump up tyres to boot.
Or use our precious, expensive water to clean them, or a pressure washer to use less water, but then need an ev to power the mongrel thing. Never ending decisions.
Whenarewethere said
09:52 PM Jun 25, 2022
Ivan 01 wrote:
I might also ask as to what is the bin made of. From my observations these bins are mostly plastic.
Polyethylene which is a thermoplastic that is very easily reused. Your bin could already be the 10th bin!
Whenarewethere said
10:11 PM Jun 25, 2022
Craig1 wrote:
Bring on wheelie bins made from corrugated galvanised iron, pump up tyres to boot.
Or use our precious, expensive water to clean them, or a pressure washer to use less water, but then need an ev to power the mongrel thing. Never ending decisions.
I clean the fourteen 240 litre bins in our block of units every so often, a few buckets of water equal to about 4 toilet flushes & a broom to reach the bottom of the bins. The red & yellow bins are the worst.
It's about the same amount of water I use to clean the car. But with the car I use the car's onboard compressed air water setup at 0.5 litre per minute.
I dont think in all reality that washing a kitchen waste bin to save using a liner will stop what is happening with the bulk of our plastic waste. Nor will it save the planet.
But by all means, if you are happy to do it then well done.
I might also ask as to what is the bin made of. From my observations these bins are mostly plastic.
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Saturday 25th of June 2022 07:18:05 PM
Nevertheless it is good news that the plastic on our beaches has been found by the study to be less.
At least something is happening rather than stick to the status quo. Energy little bit helps.
It appears from the following study that the ban of single use plastics seems to be working. The idea of having collection bins to help the study seems like a good idea to me.
Maybe the other states could learn from WA?
New University of Notre Dame study reveals plastic waste 'drastically' reduced after bans
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-24/notre-dame-study-shows-bans-of-reduced-plastic-waste/101011688
What do you mean by the term single use plastic. Many people refer to lightweight plastic shopping bags as single use plastic. We always use our lightweight plastic shopping bags as garbage bags. So by banning lightweight plastic shopping bags you are forcing us to buy thicker plastic garbage bags. So are thick plastic garbage bags considered to be single use plastic? (They obviously are only used once) Are thicker plastic garbage bags being counted by the WA survey as plastic waste?
Maybe the plastic waste is not decreasing but is simply being converted from single use to heavier plastic waste. Maybe the total amount of plastic waste is actually increasing.
Many of your questions are answered in the article.
Agree. It was a false premise that banning those free shopping bags would reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill. One of my family members used to use those free shopping for garbage until they were withdrawn. Now it's the much thicker 15c shopping bags. Or the rolls of made for the purpose garbage bags. Again, thicker.
I refuse to buy garbage bags on principal and use the smaller lightweight ones that you see on rolls in the fruit and vege sections. Sometimes the rubbish just gets emptied into the bin in bulk. That is what we should be doing, and giving the bin a clean when needed.
As the supermarkets look for more cost cutting ways they are removing the deli counter and only providing the same stuff in prepackaged units ... in plastic. If there was a serious effort to reduce single use plastic, the supermarkets should be given a target to reduce the amount of plastic that gets passed through the checkout. Make it a yearly improvement target.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Sunday 24th of April 2022 11:21:48 PM
Once again people are denying the scientific evidence and relying instead on their personal anecdotal observations. Why do scientists even bother?
From my personal perspective, I was concerned that I would have to buy purpose made garbage bags. However, I have found that fruit and vegetable plastic is sufficient for my garbage disposal needs, although I need to change them more frequently. I also use bread wrappers to collect the soft plastic waste which I can then tie off.
As I see it, the focus is not so much on reducing overall plastic waste, but on limiting the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean. I don't think there is a direct correlation between the two.
Yes, the scientific study showed that there was less plastic in the study area after the bans.
That's the first study that I have seen to show the results of the ban. It would be nice if there were more studies in other areas to show if it is local, statewide or national.
The study relies partially on volunteers picking up rubbish and puting it into collection bins. It would be nice if those collection bins were located all around Australia for similar studies.
One can vocalise one's opinion of whether the bans work or not, but the study shows that the ban works.
i do believe another outcome was that the multi use plastic bags had to be used x number(can't remember) of times to be more enviro friendly , and they usually gave up the ghost before reaching that number, so contributed more heavier plastic that takes longer to breakdown . the plastic may still be there just locked up for a while longer till all the heavier bags start to make their presents felt in the enviroment
we might have to go back to taking our goods home in paper bags or cardboard boxes ( back to save the trees) we use to send our plastic refuse to china (visy did by the container load ) then they would send it back to us
-- Edited by dogbox on Monday 25th of April 2022 03:07:39 PM
If we all did just a bit, you know, the information is out there you just have to care!
Ian
Why are plastic straws banned when the lid for the cardboard container is a plastic dome with a hole for the straw to go thru?
They were everywhere.
It appears we might ignore scientists geologists and other learned folk.
It seems now that a lawyer is providing comment on such subjects.
From here;
https://theconversation.com/plastic-pollution-is-a-global-problem-heres-how-to-design-an-effective-treaty-to-curb-it-176226
It sounds like a good idea. It appears that getting lawyers involved is essential to MAKE things happen.
Twiggy's TED talk on plastic could also help:
His proposal could benefit the underprivileged in undeveloped countries. Those people could collect plastic at tips and streets before it gets into to waterways and oceans. The plastic could then be taken to recycling plants to be converted into oil:
Of course this could also apply to developed countries with plastics that are not so easily recycled.
Yes lawyers will be similar to scientists.
The lawyers on one side will act for that cause and the ones against,,,,,well we all know who pays for that.
Now lets look how Fair dinkum Australia is when it comes to disposing of plastic waste.
Read this and then tell us all how much those who are destroying us financially and industrially really care for the planet.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/exclusive-after-much-praised-waste-export-ban-australia-under-fire-shipping-2022-02-28/
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Wednesday 22nd of June 2022 02:10:59 PM
Gday Ivan,
Well the information in that link certainly opened my eyes.
What a bunch of hypocrites.
You couldnt make that crap up, could you. All the HooHaa we are fed every day is just rubbish and pardon the pun.
I found this little pic on the internet which really says it all.
BTW Ivan, I like your new Avatar.
Sussan Ley has a lot to answer for. Hopefully, the solutions that were previously shown will help prevent that pollution loophole that Ley has provided.
There's still a lot to do to address plastic waste but at least something IS being done rather than some just whinging about it.
Turning a blind eye when the situation is not favourable doesnt fix it.
This is a classic example of make a big deal over plastic bags at Colesworths but dont dare mention what happens to the majority of our plastic waste.
BTW Colesworths still have plastic bags for those that want them. The difference between then and now is that now it is another little money maker for them because they charge 25c.
If any of this green save the planet crap was truly fair dinkum, you know what Buzz, none of us would be on here discussing it.
x2
Like others we used to reuse our free singlet bags as kitchen tidy bags, they changed the rules we now buy a roll of light weight plastic single use bags for kitchen waste, which goes to a bigger bin with another plastic bag as a bin liner.
Who are these clown's over educated fools, who are as dumb as dog $hit, think we are.
Maybe it's time to not line everything with plastic. We don't and if there is a smell problem we just wash the offending bin. That would save you money and sending plastic to landfill.
I dont think in all reality that washing a kitchen waste bin to save using a liner will stop what is happening with the bulk of our plastic waste. Nor will it save the planet.
But by all means, if you are happy to do it then well done.
I might also ask as to what is the bin made of. From my observations these bins are mostly plastic.
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Saturday 25th of June 2022 07:18:05 PM
Or use our precious, expensive water to clean them, or a pressure washer to use less water, but then need an ev to power the mongrel thing. Never ending decisions.
Polyethylene which is a thermoplastic that is very easily reused. Your bin could already be the 10th bin!
I clean the fourteen 240 litre bins in our block of units every so often, a few buckets of water equal to about 4 toilet flushes & a broom to reach the bottom of the bins. The red & yellow bins are the worst.
It's about the same amount of water I use to clean the car. But with the car I use the car's onboard compressed air water setup at 0.5 litre per minute.
Nevertheless it is good news that the plastic on our beaches has been found by the study to be less.
At least something is happening rather than stick to the status quo. Energy little bit helps.