THE CAMPAIGN to set Warburton free of plastic bags will come full circle on Saturday 14 May, with the launch of ‘boomerang bags’ into three retail outlets around the town.
Boomerang Bags is a national initiative which makes it easier for shoppers to make the transition to plastic-bag-free shopping.
Co-ordinator for Plastic Bag Free Warburton community group Michelle Fisher said there had been a strong community push over the last year to make Warburton a plastic-bag-free town.
“It has been recognised that single-use plastic bags are creating huge problems within our waterways for animals and birdlife,” she said.
“A small change in our shopping habits can make a big difference, not only locally, but it can also serve as an inspiration for other towns to follow suit.”
Ms Fisher said the local IGA supermarket and the majority of retail outlets were behind the idea, providing the community gets behind them and supports it.
The Boomerang Bag Launch is another initiative that aims to build that support in a very practical way.
“By 14 May, boxes containing cloth bags that people can use and return if they forget their own will be placed at Warburton IGA, True Value Hardware and Warburton Butchers,” Ms Fisher said.
She added that the group plans to increase the availability to other shops later in the year.
Local shopper Bryony Catlin said the campaign was great for the community and the environment.
“If something is imposed on people, I think they are less likely to use it,” she said.
“If it’s by the community, for the community, I think people take ownership.”
The launch will be a celebration with roving performers, musicians, special guest, Splasher the Platypus, a ‘pop up’ sewing room which will be creating and giving away beautiful handmade shopping bags, and, of course, there will be a free sausage sizzle.
The launch is along the IGA shopping strip between 10am and 2pm.
For more information, visit www.plasticbagfreewarburton.com
