Big plastic bag petition shows people want change

Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage today pledged to take action on plastic bags when she accepted a petition signed by over 65,000 people along with a letter from Greenpeace.

“Since I took on this portfolio I have been struck by how much New Zealanders really care about the harmful impacts of single use plastic bags. The message I’ve got is that it’s time for change,” Ms Sage said.

“The previous National Government ignored this problem when a similar petition by Our Seas Our Future was considered in 2014 and decided to do nothing.

“This government cares about the environment and knows how much New Zealanders understand that single use plastics bags are produced using oil, create waste, and can end up in the ocean, choking marine life. They want leadership on the issue.”

Ms Sage recognised efforts by Progressive Enterprises, Foodstuffs, Mitre 10 and Z Energy to phase out single use plastic bags which will cut their use by 75%.  Retailers have also picked up the Soft Plastics Scheme which has been part-funded through the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund and gives some people places to take bags, including bread bags, for recycling.

“These moves are to be celebrated but are not enough. The question is to ban or not to ban. I have directed officials to look at the best options and report back.

“Under my watch New Zealand is not going to be part of the problem.

“I don’t want turtles, seabirds and fish choking to death on something that is a mere short term convenience. The time is right for change. This government cares about nature and a healthy environment. It’s taking action on climate change.  It’s time to turn around our rubbish record on waste and  plastic bags.

“Significantly reducing waste going to landfill by 2020 is a key goal of the Green Party’s confidence and supply agreement with Labour and is a priority for me as Associate Environment Minister.  While single use plastic bags represent 0.2 % of landfill waste they are an unnecessary pollutant.

“More than 30 countries have legislated to regulate single use plastic bags with bans or levies. New Zealand has been a laggard in this space for years, but that’s not going to be the case under this Government.”

“I thank Greenpeace and all those involved in the PURE Tour (Plastics Use Resistance Education) for their energy and work on this.”

Latest Environment Announcements

Story

Fast-Track, off the rails: Submitters show strong opposition to Bill

Despite resounding public opposition, the fast-track legislation is being pushed through Parliament with provisions that could have real consequenc...
Read More

Story

Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation

The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf.
Read More

Story

Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment

The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. 
Read More

Story

Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond

The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing...
Read More

Story

Fast track still on track to environmental destruction

Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. 
Read More

Story

Government throws the environment on the scrap heap

The Government has shown its disdain for nature by undermining and cutting programmes which protect and conserve our environment.
Read More

Latest Waste Announcements

Story

Opportunity to build a more sustainable economy

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumer...
Read More

Story

Greens welcome waste strategy release and work

The Green Party is today welcoming the release of the Government’s waste strategy, but says it has a big gap without action on the container return...
Read More

Story

Container return scheme will benefit recycling and the oceans

The work Green Ministers did last term is continuing to make a difference, with the announcement today that the Government is planning to introduce...
Read More

Story

Waste strategy needs to learn from nature

Anything less than a transformational national waste strategy and waste legislation will not be enough, the Green Party said today.
Read More

Story

Greens welcome progress on hard to recycle and single use plastics, but more needs to be done

The Green Party welcomes progress on the phase-out of some hard to recycle plastics and some single-use plastics, but says more must be done.
Read More

Story

More action on waste – Government funds recycling infrastructure, moves to standardise kerbside collections

$36.7m Government investment in high-tech recycling plants nationwide Plan to standardise and improve the nation’s kerbside collections As part o...
Read More