Dunedin's ‘Plastic Bags Aren't Free' Day
DSSCF 09 Press Release
For immediate release: Dunedin secondary students to hold city-wide ‘Plastic Bags Aren't Free’ Day
Dunedin, 22 June:
A group representing nearly 2,000 Dunedin high school students will today unveil their bold plan to reduce the city's plastic bag use, at a meeting with Dunedin City councillors and representatives from major local retailers. The group, which came together for the 2009 Dunedin Secondary Students' Climate Forum (DSSCF) in May, is to announce that it will coordinate a major public event on Saturday 15 August. ‘Plastic Bags Aren't Free’ Day will aim to highlight the costs associated with the use of plastic shopping bags, and will see participating local supermarkets and retailers place a charge of at least 10c on each bag handed out on the day. Proceeds will be donated to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
DSSCF member Vayda Elder, who will be speaking at the today's meeting, says, “Plastic bags are not free. They cost us by harming our environment, using up valuable resources, and adding hidden costs to our shopping bills. When people receive them free of charge, they treat them as if they are worth nothing. We know that plastic bags are useful, so we do not believe that a ban is the way to go. But we do believe their true cost should be acknowledged.”
Ruby Parker, also speaking today, argues, “Taking the lead in Dunedin is not only something we can do, but something we should do. It would bring enormous positive benefits to our city. Dunedin is seen as New Zealand's wildlife capital […] and leading NZ in reducing plastic bag use would strengthen our claim to this.”
The group will be asking for the Council's official endorsement of their campaign, and extending an invitation to all Dunedin retailers to take part on ‘Plastic Bags Aren't Free’Day. Media are welcome to join the students for today's presentation at the Clifford Skeggs Gallery in the Council Chambers, from 3:30-4:30pm. There will be an opportunity to speak with student representatives directly following the presentation.
ENDS