State to ban plastic bags by 2009

news.com.au ^

[Sub-Driver]

State to ban plastic bags by 2009

March 02, 2008 01:53pm Article from: AAP

FREE single-use plastic bags will be banned in South Australia by the end of the year, regardless of whether the Federal Government moves on the issue, Premier Mike Rann said today.

"We started the anti-plastic bag fight and we're pushing ahead regardless of whether a nationally consistent approach is agreed to in the meantime," Mr Rann said.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said in January he would pursue the issue nationally by the end of this year, either by imposing a levy on bags or banning them completely.

Environment ministers from around the nation will meet in Melbourne in April to discuss a national approach.

The SA Government today said legislation was being drafted to ban the bags from January 1, 2009, and would be introduced to State Parliament next month.

"The time has come to lead by example and I am urging all states to follow this important step in ridding our environment of these bags that contribute to greenhouse gases, clog up landfill, litter our streets and streams as well as kill sea life," Mr Rann said.

"A ban in our state alone could see almost 400 million less plastic bags entering the SA waste and litter streams every year.

[SeaHawkFan]

Compared to paper grocery bags, plastic grocery bags consume 40 percent less energy, generate 80 percent less solid waste, produce 70 percent fewer atmospheric emissions, and release up to 94 percent fewer waterborne wastes.

There you go again; playing the facts cards.

[ViLaLuz]

I remember when we switched to plastic bags back in the 70s to save the trees. The plastic bags were more ecological.

Now we are banning plastic bags.

The tree huggers making these decisions can never make up their minds. Or did the plastic bag companies not pay their protection money to the tree hugger mafia?

[BellStar]

Today I learned the American Legion Post I am A member of allowed Obama to rent the hall last Thursday to host 200 Vets. I am so ashamed. I am asking hard questions to the people who allowed this. Will get back to all of you. We are located across from Ellington Field in Houston TX.

[Conspiracy Guy]

The American Legion and the VFW have a lot of Democrat members. Just as there are Democrats on active duty. They are Patriots but have a misguided political view. At least they charged him rent.