FORGETFUL shoppers could be causing larger plastic bags to enter the environment following the phase out of single use plastic bags in Queensland.
Jimboomba shopper Kev Best was unprepared for Woolworths’ decision to ban plastic bags today before the new law comes into effect on July 1.
Mr Best said he agreed with the policy in principle but it did not go far enough to prevent plastic from entering the environment and waterways.
“I think it is good. My only concern is that people will just buy the heavier plastic bags which take longer to biodegrade than other bags do,” he said.
“I do like the idea of phasing it out, but I am a forgetful person.”
Grant Schonacker, from Jimboomba, praised the early phase out and said anyone unhappy about the ban should “get over themselves”.
“This has been going on in the Northern Territory (and other states) for a while so it is no drama,” he said.
Queensland Environment Minister Leanne Enoch said retailers risked maximum fines of $6300 per offence if single use plastic bag use continued after July 1.
“Unbelievably, Queenslanders use nearly one billion single use plastic shopping bags every year. If you lined all of these up in a row, one by one, it would extend from the New South Wales border to the top of the Cape more than 160 times,” Ms Enoch said.
“With just over a week to go before the ban comes into effect, I urge retailers to put their final plans in place.”
Woolworths Queensland general manger Matt Franich said today marked the beginning of a new era for the major retailer.
"By working together with our customers we are committed to moving towards a more sustainable future and we are proud to say that from today, the single use plastic bag is gone for good in our stores,” Mr Franich said.
“We feel very strongly this is the right thing to do, and that together with our customers we can help create a greener future for Queensland.”
