Push to ditch plastic

DANDENONG Market was the scene of a calico bag giveaway this week in a bid by Greater Dandenong council to have shoppers ditch plastic bags.
Tuesday’s event coincided with World Environment Day and was aimed at reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste caused by plastic shopping bags.
Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown said he hoped the handout would encourage shoppers to stop using plastic bags.
“World Environment Day is about empowering people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development and to promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes,” he said.
“Making little lifestyle changes can have a big effect if everyone does it.
“Whether you take a shower instead of a bath, reduce your energy use or use the car less, the benefits are big.
“There are so many ways we can all make a difference and reducing plastic bags is one way.”