Are you up for a challenge?
It’s taken us decades to learn our bad plastic bag habits. And now for some good news: it takes no time at all to make a change for the better.
Just say “Bags Not” to plastic bags the next time you go shopping. In just a day, you’ll discover how easy that is.
All you need is a reusable bag, box, backpack… there are loads of alternatives to nasty old single-use plastic bags.
To really make this new habit stick, do it again the next day. And the next. Do it for 7 days in a row. That way you’ll break the old habit for good.
In a week, you’ll have stopped at least 7 single-use plastic bags from entering the environment. Good on ya!
Keep it up for a year and you’ll single-handedly prevent no less than around 350 plastic bags from polluting our land, rivers, ocean, drinking water and food chain. Go you!
And if we all change our ways together, we’ll say “Bags Not” to the 1.6 billion single-use plastic bags that are choking New Zealand every year.
But for now, let’s keep things simple.
Take the “Bags Not” 7-Day Challenge.
You got this!
“Bags Not” 7-Day Challenge tips and tricks
There are many alternatives to single-use plastic bags, like reusable bags, backpacks and boxes. The most important thing is to use a replacement as many times as possible to stop new plastic bags from entering into circulation.
Boomerang Bags are making reusable bags in our local communities. They share them for free. Find out more at: www.boomerangbags.org
To remember your reusable bags, write ‘Reusable Bags’ on the top of your shopping list. When you check your list before you leave home you’ll be reminded to take them with you.
As soon as you unpack your shopping, put your reusable bags back in the car while it’s fresh in your mind. Some people leave them on the front passenger seat, or put them over a head rest so they don’t forget them.
Keep your keys, wallet or purse in your reusable bags. That way you won’t be able to leave home without them! Genius.
Hang your reusable bags next to the front door so you see them on your way out. It will be hard to miss them you’re heading to the shops.
Keeping a reusable bag in your car, your briefcase, your backpack, handbag or laptop bag makes saying “Bags Not” so much easier!
Tell your friends and family about your mission to stop using single-use plastic bags. By announcing your goal, you’ll feel more committed and the people you’ve told will remind you to stay on track.
Invite your friends, family, colleagues and teammates to join you and say “Bags Not” to plastic bags too. The more people you have in your life doing it, the easier it will be to build momentum. Make it a competition and see who uses the least bags in a month.
When you refuse a plastic bag, be friendly about it. The shop attendant is probably still on autopilot. A gentle reminder may be all they need to help break an old habit. Remember, we’re all in this together.
If we all reuse each plastic bag we’re given to carry our shopping just one more time, we’ll reduce the number of new ones entering into circulation by 800 million a year!
What about dog poop? Reusable dog poop bags are available in pet stores and online. These allow you to dispose of the waste responsibly, then you can wash and reuse the bag. You can also get specialised composting systems for pet poo online, so you can turn it into fertiliser for your lawn or garden.
What about bin liners? Do you even need a bin liner? You can simply empty your household bins straight into the wheelie bin or Council rubbish bags for collection. If that doesn’t work for you, try searching ‘how to make a paper rubbish bin liner’ on YouTube, or search online for compostable bin liners. Please note, these bags will only compost when in a hot compost heap (over 60 degrees), not in a landfill. Go to our Glossary page to learn more.
Share your tips and tricks
Do you have any useful tips and tricks of your own that you can share?
