Western Australia is accelerating and expanding its plan to ban harmful single-use plastic items.
The move to stop the use of items such as plastic coffee cups and lids, has been applauded by WWF-Australia.
“We’re pleased to see WA raising its ambition and speeding up its timeline for tackling the most problematic plastics,” WWF-Australia’s No Plastics in Nature Policy Manager, Kate Noble says.
“Plastic bags, plates and utensils are usually discarded after a single-use and cause huge damage when they leak into our oceans and environment. Seabirds and turtles confuse plastic bags and balloons for food, a mistake that often proves fatal.”
Ms Noble congratulates WA for being the first to take action on plastic coffee cups and lids.
“Taking these damaging items out of circulation this year will help to stem the ride of plastic at its source and save marine wildlife.
“There are viable, sustainable alternatives to these single-use plastic items, so there’s no excuse for delaying action.
“We’re seeing huge momentum across the country on tackling plastic pollution, with today’s announcements from WA and NSW just the latest in a race to the top.”
Ms Noble says that while this is “excellent news”, it’s only “part of the solution”.
People can show their support by urging states and territories to ban problematic plastics by visiting wwf.org.au/get-involved/plastics.
