• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Ban the Bag and put Deposits on Cans

April 17, 2008 @ 20:32 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

How hard is it, really? When I see the news that the Federal Government and States cannot come to a simple agreement to ban plastic shopping bags, what chance do we have when we need them to get to the hard decisions about carbon taxes or cap and trade? Will all of our elected officials continue to give in to the corporate giants every time a hard decision has to be made? If our politicians continue to pussy-foot around even the simplest issues, then we are well and truly stuffed!

The sunshine on an otherwise dull environmental minister conference, was that South Australia are going it alone, and are going to ban the bag by the end of 2008. Victoria are going to “trial” a levy of an undisclosed cost per bag, in two undisclosed localities. South Australia really stick out as forward thinking in this and all recycling issues. I grew up in South Australia and remember when the 5 cent deposit was levied against every glass and plastic bottle and aluminium drink can. I can’t remember an outcry then, and it was a boom time for all of us kids. I remember waking up really early on a Sunday morning and heading down to the Loxton North Football Oval after a local football match with my brother Jim. We would carry about four big empty wheat bags with us and go around the oval and collect every single beer bottle and can we could find. We would make a small fortune, because each 375ml bottle was worth 1 cent and cans were worth 5 cents (and this was in the mid 1970’s). This was the way we made pocket money each week. Some weekends we would make at least $10, which to us was like finding the crown jewels and we would split it 50/50. We would even walk the road sides around our little community and do the same thing, hoping more for cans than bottles of course. Bottles were heavy! South Australia still has this system in place now. Sure, the cost of the deposit is passed on to the consumer, but it changes behaviours, because after about two years, there were less and less cans and bottles for Jim and I to collect. Football games were our only windfall, because drunk people didn’t care about littering and there were lots of those at country football matches! You only have to go over the border from Victoria to South Australia to see the difference this scheme has made. Victorian side dirty, and the S.A. side clean as a whistle! A national scheme would not only keep our streets clean, but increase the recycling effort many times over.

Anyway, back to the bags. Kim and I have been conscious reusable bag users since they first came out. The boot of our Hybrid is full of the things, and I can only remember having to throw one reusable bag away, because it was overworked and developed a hole in the bottom. We take them everywhere, to the supermarket, the greengrocer, hardware stores (Bunnings have stopped selling plastic bags ages ago), the library, taking stuff to charity shops etc. And would you believe that even though I pile the reusable bags up onto the conveyor belt at the supermarket as the very first thing in our shopping items, the checkout staff still reach for a plastic bag first. Weird, when you think they can see the mountain of reusable bags in front of them! Behaviours are easy to change, if you put your mind to it, and after a while it becomes habit. And as we all know habits are hard to break.

I know that it will be a resounding success in South Australia, partly because the deposit scheme is already in place, and mostly because if governments go with popular opinion on environmental issues, they, our elected officials, will come out smelling like roses every time. I still cannot believe that the Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett did not push for a national scheme. I really did like his band’s music, but I am beginning to believe that he is just too scared to take on the bigger decisions that are required in these next few years. Let just hope that the other states see the error of their ways and adopt a similar stance as S.A. has soon after.

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: consumerism, Government, recycle

← Environmental Insanity We Campaign →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Julie says

    April 18, 2008 at 15:50

    I think we should approach it like ripping off a band-aid: just ban them and get it over with. There’ll be some whinging for a short time, and then we’ll all move on to the next problem.

    Reply
  2. Kate says

    April 19, 2008 at 23:15

    I love it here in SA where we at least have some sense and are also continuing on with the GMO ban for at least another 2 years. Peter Garret is not much good is he? I think he is shackled by the heavies in the government.Putting a price on them is a dumb idea – the bags need to be phased out completely and people need to use calico or recycled cloth bags – not those dreadful things you get at Coles etc which are, after all, just very heavy-duty plastic! I am furious about these things too and I have just found your blog. Hope to see around.You may be interested in my blog and one I have a link to called “Are we green yet?” – another bloke, called Greg, just trying to work it all out, in the USA.

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Black Aphids On Garlic
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Regrow Spring Onions
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
Quince Paste
Tips for Growing Citrus in Pots
Broad Bean Rust
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2025