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The Environment Minister says she may consider imposing a levy on plastic shopping bags if there is an increase in packaging waste and industry is not prepared to take action.
Marian Hobbs says the Government is aware of successful developments in Ireland where a levy has been introduced. And she says her Australian counterpart has warned the industry that mandatory controls could be introduced if it does not commit to targets to reduce the number of plastic bags.
Hobbs says the Government is negotiating the renewal of an accord with retailers and the packaging industry in an effort to reduce waste, and a levy would be a last resort.
The Employers and Manufacturers Association has scoffed at suggestions from the Green Party for a tax on plastic bags.
"Next thing they'll want taxpayers to fork out subsidies for making and supplying hemp shopping bags, the association says.
"Plastic shopping bags are... amongst the typical household's most reused item. They're...strong, light and effective," says Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.
"The minimal use of plastic in the bags is seven times more resource efficient to make than paper recyclable bags. They account for just 2% of the waste stream and 80% of them are recyclable.
The association says the industry is well advanced in plans to introduce biodegradable plastic bags and other options.
Last month, Green MP Mike Ward called on seaside towns and tourist destinations to follow the lead of the Tasmanian township Coles Bay in becoming Australasia's first plastic bag-free zone.
The Green's Local Government spokesperson applauded the Coles Bay community and recommended a similar approach for New Zealand communities, tourist operations and local authorities.
In a community initiative, Coles Bay has replaced plastic bags with permanent calico bags or temporary paper bags. Businesses in the popular whale-watching town are supplying residents with calico shopping bags and charging tourists 25 cents for high-quality reusable paper bags.
"While New Zealand urgently needs to work out what to do with the 80 million kilograms of waste we throw out each week, reducing that waste at the source has to be the first option," Ward said.
"The comprehensive nature of the Cole's Bay campaign is appealing from a convenience as well as a conservation standpoint," he said.
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