Buying an orange, segmented and wrapped in plastic in our supermarkets is one of the tragedies of modern packaging.  Kiama MP Gareth Ward says, “Our community is rightly concerned about our environment and ensuring a cleaner and sustainable future. Reducing waste and particularly plastics that end up in our pristine waterways and landfills is something I back and I know our community does too. “

The Environment Ministers' recent decision to transition from voluntary to mandatory national packaging targets is a pivotal move applauded by the local recycling group Boomerang Alliance. The organisation eagerly anticipates the subsequent phase, which involves implementing a comprehensive collection and reprocessing scheme to significantly reduce plastic in the environment.

"This is the first step in a revolution in how Australia handles packaging waste and pollution.  There also needs to be a focus on reducing the amount of plastic; growing reuse; and industry funding of the circular economy engine.  It’s their responsibility and I’m sure consumers want far less environmental damage from packaging and plastic pollution,” asserted Jeff Angel, the Director of the Alliance, representing 55 groups.

Reflecting on the inadequacy of voluntary approaches over the past two decades, the Boomerang Alliance has submitted a comprehensive best practice scheme designed to bring about tangible improvements. The proposed scheme adheres to ten guiding principles:

1. Prioritisation of Avoidance and Reduction
2. Best Practice Eco-Design of Products
3. Mandated Standards
4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - Whole of Life Cycle & Supply Chain
5. Mandatory National Targets and Obligations
6. Development of Secondary Markets
7. A national scheme managed under Commonwealth legislation
8. A standardised monitoring, compliance, and enforcement regime
9. Commitment to continuous improvement
10. Consumer Education and Awareness

By embracing these principles, the Alliance envisions a transformative shift toward a more sustainable and responsible approach to packaging, minimising its environmental impact and fostering a circular economy mindset.

Wollongong University has also made significant progress in combatting environmental pollution and promoting sustainable living by their ban on since single-use plastic items such as cutlery and plates on campus, initiated over a year ago through its ‘Sustainable Plate’ initiative. 

This practice helped the food court divert 13,000 takeaway containers from ending up in landfill in the past year and a further 9,000 containers at the UniBar in just three months. This means 22,000 pieces of unnecessary single-use plastic did not end up in landfill or in our waterways.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park says, “Taking sensible steps towards reducing our plastic footprint is important for the future of NSW,” adding, “You can help shape the further reduction of problematic plastic to help tackle the pollution crisis by sharing your thoughts and ideas on the Next Steps paper by 4 February 2024.”

“Australia has an opportunity to be a leader in waste management and reducing our footprint. Used sensibly, waste can end up being anything from road base through to alternative sources of energy. 

“We don’t inherit this plant from our parents, we borrow it from our children. Decisions like this one will make a big difference and speak volumes about our collective recognition that we must do better when it comes to waste management and our protection of our unique and pristine environment.”