Australia is looking into phasing out single-use plastics such as takeaway containers and plastic-lined coffee cups by 2023.
But here in New Zealand, a Government ban on any type of single-use plastics is yet to be addressed.
Takeaway containers, plastic bags, chip packets and plastic-lined coffee cups could all soon be gone in Australia. The Australian Federal Government is considering drastic recommendations outlined in a senate report to phase out single-use plastics.
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The report suggests spending $50 million on research to find greener options, as well as a nationwide container deposit scheme. While in New Zealand, there's been talk but as yet no ban on single-use plastics.
"[The Government is] working very hard on the single-use plastic bags, and looking at options to phase those out, but in terms of the other plastic containers, my focus is on things like e-waste, tyres," Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage told Newshub.
Instead of following the Government, supermarket owners in New Zealand have made their own decision, with New World and Countdown committing to phasing out plastic bags by the end of 2018.
Groups advocating for the ban of single-use plastics say New Zealand is falling behind the rest of the world.
"New Zealand is lagging behind, especially in terms of other countries like France or Sweden, where they have fantastic waste minimisation strategies," Our Seas Our Future scientific adviser Emily Frost told Newshub.
Sustainable Coastlines co-founder Sam Judd says urgent action is needed, but a cultural change around single-use plastics is slowly starting to happen.
"People are starting to care - we're seeing plastic bags being addressed by supermarket chains," he explained.
"We're starting to see people actually start to change behaviour on this - it is urgent and I can't stress this enough."
There are not many things our Australian friends beat us to, but they may have done it this time.
However, earlier this month several New Zealand and international companies pledged to do their part to stem the flow of plastic into the ocean, committing to using 100 percent recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.
Newshub.
