Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh is offering his constituents free re-usable shopping bags before plastic bags are banned in Victoria in November this year.
Mr Walsh said plastic bags were a menace and had a devastating effect on the environment.
“They block our drains and creeks, injure local wildlife and cost millions to clean up.”
From November 1, all single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less will be banned, including bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.
Produce bags used for unpackaged food like fruit, meat and seafood, garbage bags and bin liners, and dog waste and nappy bags will be still be legal.
“In Victoria about 10 per cent of all waste disposed of to landfill is plastic, so eliminating single use plastic where we can is a small but very practical way to reduce our environmental impact,” Mr Walsh said.
“It doesn’t have to be hard or expensive to make a difference and I am pleased to support this important initiative by offering the free bags across the Murray Plains electorate.
“Anyone who wants a free reusable bag ahead of the ban can call in to my electorate office in Echuca, or email peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au.”