Turning your town plastic bag free

Posted: 14.04.09  |  Created by:

Ben Kearney from Coles Bay in Tasmania was the driving force behind his town becoming plastic bag free. Here are some tips from him to help you guide your town down the same path. 

Mobilise support - The first step is to mobilise your community and recruit a critical mass of supporters. Start with friends and family, community groups and local environmental organisations. These people will spread your message by word of mouth - this also helps when you lobby local business.

Approach local business - Starting with major food retailers, approach storeowners and managers and propose going plastic bag free by a certain date within 12 months. Highlight the benefits the stores will receive in positive publicity by becoming key campaign partners, and provide them with case studies of Coles Bay and Huskisson to show the goal is attainable.

Contact media - With a core of support from residents and business, notify local and regional newspapers about your campaign. This will help formalise the campaign and get your message out to the wider public.

Work with council – Council backing is not essential for a successful campaign but their support may help the process. Feel comfortable in contacting them throughout the campaign to assist with guidance and business contacts.

If you'd like more information, here is a recent feature on plastic bag activism from UK newspaper The Guardian.

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