Green Bags: It Will Help You Financially and Environmentaly

MANY Greater Dandenong shoppers are clinging to plastic bags despite nationwide campaigns to banish the ecological menace.

A Leader investigation outside a Dandenong supermarket last Tuesday found only one out of 22 shoppers used recyclable green bags.


Many of them declined to comment. But the figures could be reversed if shoppers are forced to pay for their plastic bags.

The State Government this month began a trial 10c charge for bags at Warrnambool, Wangaratta and Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.

The Leader polled customers outside Parkmore Coles for their views.

Keysborough woman Diane Bellette said she had used green bags since they were introduced.

"I was over at Phillip Island once at the Penguin Parade and saw one of the penguins entangled in a plastic bag, so I saw first-hand the effect they have," she said. "That was a real turning point for me."


She said she hoped charging for plastic bags would encourage more people to use canvas ones.

Josephine Rudak, from Springvale, said her reasons were both financial and environmental.

"Why pay 10c when you can bring your own bag? I am not working and my husband is not working, so every cent counts," Mrs Rudak said.

Dingley mum Louise Knorr said she used canvas bags whenever possible. "A 10c charge would probably just make me remember my bags more often," she said.

By Rebecca David