Greenpeace announced today it has combined with a number environmental organisations to create a strategy called Plastic Free NZ.
In an effort not to lose momentum around the national plastic ban conversation, it follows the announcement earlier this month that the Government will be banning plastic bags.
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- Govt's climate change plan a 'cop-out' - Greenpeace
In a press release, Greenpeace oceans campaigner Emily Hunter said while it was a win, there needs to be more done.
"The ban on single-use plastic bags was a huge win for the oceans and for people power, but we're not satisfied yet," she said.
"Plastic bags are just the tip of the plastic pollution iceberg - New Zealand needs to go much further."
The Plastic Free NZ action plan has four points to combat plastic:
- Extending the bag ban to "avoidables" such as plastic cutlery, straws and stirrers.
- Starting a deposit system for plastic bottles so people can bring empties back for cash.
- Imposing a levy on "problematic" items such as coffee cups, food packaging and cigarette butts.
- Setting the country ambitious plastic reduction targets to monitor progress.
The new group has a strong emphasis on advocating that New Zealand does not stop at banning the plastic bag, but includes other single-use plastics such as straws.
Those joining forces with Greenpeace to form Plastic Free NZ include Forest & Bird, Pare Kore, Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand and Plastic Diet.
According to Greenpeace, 77 percent of the plastic waste washed up on our beaches is single-use plastic.
Newshub.
