There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

I remember when supermarkets used paper bags, but apparently why we then went to plastic was because of the number of trees that had to be cut down to supply these.

Now plastic is being banned.

I think they should continue to use plastic but revaluate how it is use

use paper bags for fruit n veg.

It's going to be impossible to completely do away with all plastic.

If I go into store I take my canvas bags but as I use online shopping 95% then they use plastic bags which I have an overflow of.
As for online delivery They need to change the use of plastic bags which cost me around $2 each time and some bags only have one or two items in it

A friend of mine owns a popular donut shop and was saying they can use carry plastic bags to pack the boxes of donuts in for those who need a carry bag but they have to be so thick so they can be re-used. Similar to coles bags.

What she said makes her mad is shops are charging 15c a bag when infact the cost is only 2c to shops as they buy in bulk.

She will not be charging her customers and she said neither should other shops.

 

[Izzabel]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

All I can say is: It's about time. The ban should be world wide, not just NSW. When I was growing up we used paper bags or string bags. There was little or no plastic.

 

[Liz]

We I was growing up we used paper bags but a lot of things were delivered to the door, no miiddle man. I use my own cloth bags when shopping. Why don't they fine people for disposing of medical masks - too many birds and animals are getting them caught on their beaks and around their necks, It is heartbreaking to see.

 

[adorableagnes]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

This has got nothing to do with saving the planet, it's all revenue raising

 

[Ashmenou]

About time

 

[marlenelamb]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

Yes I agree totally with this. I recently watched a programme on YouTube and a clean up trawler showed how much plastic rubbish was scooped up. Unbeliable!!
No wonder we have global warming problems. It’s all created by disgusting careless human beings

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

 

[EILEEN W]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

 

[EILEEN W]

I have a supply of plastic plates, bowls, cups, glasses etc, which I use on picnics, BBQs and family parties. It is better to use these each time than using glassware which could be dangerous if smashed or cracked. China plates etc. are far too heavy to carry especially as I am elderly, have had partial lung removal from cancer, suffer respiratory and back problems and am waiting for a shoulder reconstruction surgery. I agree with removing single use plastics but paper bags are not the complete answer as they do not help the environment due to the removal of precious trees.

 

[Robbo3006]

So the courts are using units, so when we have a one world government system anything you do will determine how many units you have, if you run out you won't be able to buy food or petrol.or anything, I'm so glad I'm old, the world is kaput, to use a word Klaus Schwab would understand, good luck with implanted microchips and New World Order, Aussies are too laid back and they will run you.like China and Germany and Britain. Act now before You become slaves to the elites, call Me a conspiracy theorist , I don't care anymore.

 

[Ricci]

About time, I'll happily conform to do my bit to save the planet.

 

[Annna]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

Seeking confirmation. Is the plastic cutlery ban on single use cutlery only or does it extend to plastic cutlery that is reusable (washable) such as the kind found in picnic hampers?

Your list includes 'cutlery' please clarify.

 

[MC12]

I'm a traveller, on the road a lot. Plastic bags are a necessity, and I hoard them, wash them and reuse each one till they fall apart, then take to the soft plastic recyle in Woollies. I use them to protect my things from spills, keep smells separate, keep things dry, keep items together, and separate from other things. Keep things clean, put dirty things (like muddy shoes) in, the list goes on. They are never single use for me. And no other material that I know of is a substitute. Are they going to ban cling wrap too, btw? I reuse my plastic cutlery and cups, each item is precious. Plastic things are also light in weight. A must for travellers.

 

[MotherGoose]

I hate to sound negative but I've travelled in Asia and I have seen the enormous seas of floating garbage and plastics in their waterways. And photographed it! Until this problem, and the mindset that goes with it, is addressed, nothing that we do in Australia will make much difference to the worldwide environmental problem represented by the use of plastics.

 

[Petra]

Whatever, I take my own bags and Aldi's cooler bags. I hope we don't pay more for food because of this.

 

[JayKay]

There has to be a balance somewhere.
There is a need for a certain amount of plastic bags, to line our inside bins etc.
Our fruit and vegetables were always purchased from the greengrocers, (pre supermarket days), everything went into brown paper bags. The greengrocers were expert at twirling the bags closed, and you carried the brown paper bags home by the little ears on the corners of the bags created when the greengrocer twirled the bags. None of that today!
We are still able to purchase plastic bags of different sizes in the supermarkets.

 

[Vinylted]

I have a supply of plastic plates, bowls, cups, glasses etc, which I use on picnics, BBQs and family parties. It is better to use these each time than using glassware which could be dangerous if smashed or cracked. China plates etc. are far too heavy to carry especially as I am elderly, have had partial lung removal from cancer, suffer respiratory and back problems and am waiting for a shoulder reconstruction surgery. I agree with removing single use plastics but paper bags are not the complete answer as they do not help the environment due to the removal of precious trees.

I imagine they can make paper out of grass (bamboo) like most other things...

 

[June E]

I think it’s a bit confusing because there are some plastics that can be recycled how do we know are and which are not ? Some bottled drinks have a logo on that means they can be recycled but they are hard to see. We use so much that is plastic maybe we should remove some of it slowly until an alternative can be made? For instance how will we freeze food without plastic bags or containers ? Baby’s nappies ? Bin liners and all the products we buy tubes, bottles, jars? We can buy certain washing licquid in recycled bottles now maybe they should make a law to manufacture more of this sort before banning all plastic.

 

[Maaaaaa]

I grew up in a time when fish and chips were wrapped in Newspaper, groceries in boxes saved by your supermarket, anything you bought from a shop was placed in paper bags which were used again the only things I remember being plastic was my doll. Trees are now grown for the sole purpose of making paper, timber for furniture and many other products not a lot left on of the tree when they have finished thus saving our beautiful native trees. I totally agree with Jersey girl re: life on a points system. Centrelink is now run on a points system. You are given 100 per fortnight and with this you have obligations to be done by the end of your 2 weeks, if they are not completed you lose points, this will keep happening until you have no points and you lose your rights to unemployment. As we all know this can be hard to do especially as we mature, our bodies do not work like they used to and a majority of the work they expect you to apply for is not feasible. I check every day for work that I believe I can do but I can honestly say unless you're a fit mature person you have a slim chance of being employed. I think I may be in big trouble.

 

[Carol]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

Stop these plastics from being produced.