Businesses and the community in New South Wales are being encouraged to provide feedback on the state government’s efforts to mitigate plastic pollution.
The consultation will inform the development of the “NSW Plastics: Next Steps” discussion paper, which is aimed at reducing the use of unnecessary plastics in the supply chain. This comes as the state moves to reduce plastic litter by 30 per cent by 2025, curb the impact of microplastics, and align with other states and territories.
In a media release, the NSW Government noted that although plastics are a vital part of many products, not all plastics are essential. Furthermore, the material is often produced in unsustainable ways to be used only once and then discarded.
“By 2050 there may be more plastic than fish by weight in the world’s oceans. Plastic has become so widespread that we are constantly eating, drinking and breathing it in. NSW alone generates 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year and only 12% of it is recycled,” said Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe.
“The NSW Government wants to hear your thoughts on what plastic items we should target to minimise harmful impacts on the NSW environment, animals and communities.”
The discussion paper identifies and addresses items and materials that are frequently littered or release microplastics into the environment, contain harmful chemical additives, and are regulated or proposed to be in other states and territories.
According to the NSW government, items containing plastic such as lollipop sticks, cigarette butts, bread tags, and heavyweight plastic shopping bags are some of the problematic products that could be redesigned or phased out.
Consultation is open for 14 weeks from 29 October 2023 to 4 February 2024. To participate, visit epa.nsw.gov.au.
