Indigo Shire Council is calling for businesses, residents and visitors to say no to plastics bags.

Indigo Shire Council Mayor Cr Peter Graham urged the community to make a stand against using plastic bags as they were an environmental problem for many reasons.

He said while the Council’s outdoor team worked hard at keeping the Shire looking clean and green it was a shame they still found plastic bags in the streets, waterways and along roadsides.

“It takes plastic bags up to 1,000 years to break down, they can be hazardous to wildlife, potentially entangling animals or being mistaken for food, can block drains, trap birds and kill livestock,” he said. 

“Many people may not know that plastics are made from non-renewable natural resources such as crude oil, gas and coal.

“All of these potential hazards and concerns just to carry items purchased home when there is an easy solution is using a reusable a bag.”

Here are some tips to help you reduce your plastic bag usage:

• Use reusable bags, boxes, shopping trolleys or a backpack for your shopping.

• Say ‘NO’ to plastic bags at the check-out if you only have a few items.

• Reuse plastic bags you have accumulated as garbage liners

• Open your eyes to how many plastic shopping bags you have at home. Keep count and try to reduce the number you take home.

• Spread the word. Ask your local shops to stock plastic bag alternatives if they don’t already and encourage friends and family to also get involved.

TIP: After you unpack your groceries at home, make sure you put your reusable bags straight back on the front seat of your car or at your front door. That way, you won’t forget them the next time you shop!

For more information and tips log onto www.ecorecycle.sustainability.vic.gov.au and follow the links to Say No to Plastic Bags.