We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[elaine41]

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Having read about the removal of cotton buds which I need to use regularly, I took the only step I could & have a stock which will last me for several years.

 

[Suzanne rose]

If they have evidence that it causes cancer and illnesses then yes they should.
Instead of the paper straws they have made can't they give us the straws we had as kids remember they were wax coated and didn't break so easy.
The paper ones MacDonalds are using you can't finish a frape or thick shake

 

[Ma-to-3]

Having read about the removal of cotton buds which I need to use regularly, I took the only step I could & have a stock which will last me for several years.

Cotton buds are now available with paper stems. They are a little bendy but just hold them a bit closer to the tip and they work just as well as the old type.

 

[Ma-to-3]

This is not new to South Australians. SA banned these single use plastics in March 2021 and in March 2022 banned polystyrene containers. It was 2009 when SA banned single use plastic bags!!! I’m really surprised and disappointed it’s taken so long for this to be Australia wide. Little ol’ SA doesn’t beat the eastern states to much but seem to be a clear winner here .

 

[rotra22]

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Does single use plastics include the huge amount of plastic packaging that the supermarkets now use, particularly in fresh produce. Bring back re-usable glass bottles.

 

[peteloo]

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I recall reading about biodegradable plastics. Do these also leave microplastics in the environment? If not, won’t it be a better alternative?

 

[peteloo]

The measures are exteme in my opinion. Buying straws from a chemist? Different rules and dates between the States?

Many of these bags are there for the health of all of us and proper hygene.

It's another of these excessive and extreme laws these environmental pressure groups have caused the silent majority to accept.

Where is the proof micro plastics are in Mount Everest ice/snow? One burst on social media and we are confronted with it as a 'fact'!

It's like the flimsy 'proof' statements that Aboriginals were in charge 40000+ years ago: false science when none could have survived the more than one of the ice ages since then, like the science once stated the earth was flat!

Agree. Much like the over-rated vaccines that were meant to stop Covid but didn’t.

 

[wazzalox]

What next??? Cotton buds are meant to be single use for health reasons. Imagine using a cotton bud to apply antiseptic that someone has just used to clean their ear wax.
Supermarket plastic bags weren't single use. I used them as bin liners. Now I have to buy plastic bin liners. Nothing gained.
What will my takeaway Chinese come in now? Will I need to take half a dozen saucepans like we used to in the 50's. BTW the Chinese containers are not single use either, they make good storage items.
I have no problem with replacing plastic as long as it's replaced with something better.
Looks like the greenies are succeeding in their drive to take us back to the Dark Ages.
BTW if you've been watching SBS lately you'll see they had massive climate changes in 3500BC and 1500BC.
How is that possible if there were no coal-fired power stations, no petrol cars and fewer farting cows. Could it be natural perhaps?

 

[adorableagnes]

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I think it is extreme. I defy anyone to tell me they managed to cut a steak with those ridiculous bamboo cutlery items.

 

[Ricci]

I have used re-usable metal straws for years now. I bought a set of six online for just a couple of dollars and they have worked very well. I believe these days you can even get fancy coloured ones although mine are just silver colour.

 

[DancerPauline]

Having read about the removal of cotton buds which I need to use regularly, I took the only step I could & have a stock which will last me for several years.

I use them every day too so I also will have to buy multiple packets of them to last me years.

 

[KGB71]

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Definitely the way forward. All countries should ban single use plastic. Like your article on Aldi's cling wrap, don’t use it!

 

[Or]

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Rubbish in more ways than one. A cheap cop out by woke idiots Pretending to ‘help’. A change in formula will ensure break down to natural options. Selling all food in glass containers may even bring back a glass industry to Australia.

 

[Vinylted]

The "Woke Greenies" forced the use of plastic wayyyy back to save our planet's trees, now they are advocating cutting more trees for paper to replace plastic... Agggrhhhh!

 

[gollywog]

Having read about the removal of cotton buds which I need to use regularly, I took the only step I could & have a stock which will last me for several years.

I use cotton buds for medical reasons twice daily, so I will be stocking up on them also!!

 

[gollywog]

Cotton buds are now available with paper stems. They are a little bendy but just hold them a bit closer to the tip and they work just as well as the old type.

Hopefully, they will continue to sell these paper stemmed ones!

 

[Panda Senior]

plastic pollution in the Oceans. Someone should be checking facts. Floating Plastic debris on our Oceans is unsightly but, it can be scooped up and reused. The big issue is pollution and the assassination of sea life with SINKING plastic. The major contributor to sinking plastic is the millions of kilometres of fishing nets and long lines from the International Fishing Industry! DisRespect is killing their future and they just don't care... tonnes upon tonnes of nets and lines are cut loose to drift and sink every day (seems they cost less to replace than repair) these cause irreparable death and destruction beneath the surface across the World for Centuries to come.... there is an old documentary called 'SeaSpiracy' that highlighted this problem. This Doco has been around for decades and No One in the World has acted upon it! Your plastic spoon and straw will never be a comparable polluter. Look up this Documentary Seaspiracy, the scariest Horror movie you will see this year!

 

[NinnNick]

We've all been there – you're out and about, enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and suddenly you realise you don't have a straw. What do you do? If you're like most people, your first instinct is to reach for a plastic straw.

But what if we told you that very soon, plastic straws could be completely banned in Australia? That's right – all states and territories across the country will soon be focusing all their efforts on getting rid of single-use plastics.

The latest initiative, which forbids the widespread sale of single-use items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, and cotton buds, will start in NSW on November 1 and be followed by other jurisdictions at their own pace.

This ban will also include polystyrene food packaging and microbeads in personal care products such as toothpaste and face wash.

Since the beginning of this year, lightweight plastic bags have been prohibited throughout the country, which has helped to minimise the amount of plastic waste that is produced, transported, and discarded in landfills and littering our streets, oceans, and waterways.

With the implementation of a ban on single-use plastics, paper drinking straws will take the place of plastic ones starting the next week throughout NSW. Credit: Shutterstock/upslim.

Before long, Australians will be able to eliminate plastic containers, bags, cutlery, and straws from their household consumables too.

Any businesses that continue to stock banned items will be charged monetary fines of up to $55,000, and offenders who knowingly continue to defy the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to $275,000.

A ban on plastic straws, cups, and packaging has already been put in place in Queensland. You can read more about this here.

Additionally, a statement from the Queensland government confirmed that cotton buds will also be subject to the same restrictions by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, national retail organisations have demanded that single-use plastics be consistent across the country.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, stated that it was especially difficult for small retailers to manage different regulations.

'The challenge is that we have different products being phased out at different times across the country,' he said.

Following a conference of environment ministers, lightweight single-use plastic restrictions are also being phased out across Australia. Credit: AAP Image.

Major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI have already taken steps to reduce their stock of single-use plastics.

For persons who need plastic straws for medical, scientific, or forensic purposes, there will be exclusions from the policy for eradicating single-use plastics in NSW. However, it should be noted that these plastic straws must only be purchased from chemists or online.

Additionally, retailers who use paper plates and bowls with plastic lining will have a two-year window to find substitutes.

According to the Department of Environment, a nationally consistent set of policies will be 'great for the environment and will make businesses' life easier, particularly those with a national footprint.

The NSW government estimates that the prohibition will result in a reduction of 2.7 billion plastic litter.

The fact that single-use plastics shed tiny slivers of what has been dubbed 'microplastics' raises serious concerns.

The human body has been proven to contain these microplastics, which are so widespread that they have been detected on Mount Everest, in Antarctic snow, and especially in oceans and waterways.

Studies have revealed that microplastics have been detected in the lungs, brains, and blood of both living and deceased individuals.

Scientists have concluded that microplastics may be responsible for the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, as well as reproductive issues.

Key Takeaways

• Australia is banning all single-use plastics, including containers, bags, cutlery and straws.
• Businesses that sell banned items face fines of up to $55,000.
• The decision to have a nationally consistent set of policies around single-use plastics was made at a meeting of environment ministers during the week.
• Major supermarket chains such as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have already removed many single-use plastics from their shelves.

The banning of single-use plastics has been a controversial topic for many years. Some people believe that it is a necessary step to reduce environmental pollution, while others argue that it would be an ineffective measure that would cause undue hardship for businesses and consumers.

Keeping this in mind, we want to ask you: what do you think about Australia's plans to ban single-use plastics? Do you believe that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is the way forward or extreme measures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I think it’s been inevitable that we are now scrambling to find alternatives for our lazy modern ways. Whatever the replacements we will get used to it and it will become the norm.

 

[ElleJay]

I wonder what the butchers will put our meat in, if not plastic bags?