Fridge magnets produced in the tens of thousands for commercial advertising, often distributed through junk mail, are contributing significantly to environmental pollution. These seemingly harmless objects end up in landfill sites where they pose a long-term threat to our environment due to the materials they are made of.

Most advertising fridge magnets are composed of a layer of PVC plastic mixed with ferrite (iron oxide) magnetic powder. These materials are far from eco-friendly. The PVC plastic, for instance, can take anywhere from 100 to 500 years to significantly break down, whereas the magnetic ferrite particles do not biodegrade at all due to their mineral composition. This means that these magnets do not simply “rot away” like organic waste would. Instead, the PVC layer becomes brittle over decades, leading to cracking and fragmentation into smaller pieces, contributing to the proliferation of microplastics in the environment.

In Australia alone, millions of these magnets are sent through the post every year, each with the potential to persist in our waste systems for centuries. We urgently need to reassess the environmental impact of these items and consider more sustainable alternatives for marketing and advertising.

One potential solution is to use eco-friendly materials for any physical advertisements that are necessary. For instance, items made from biodegradable plastics or recycled materials could significantly reduce the environmental footprint. Additionally, regulations could be implemented to limit the production and distribution of non-biodegradable advertising materials.

Companies and small businesses have the power to make this change and reduce the environmental impact of their advertising strategies. By signing this petition, you are calling on businesses to stop the production and distribution of non-biodegradable fridge magnets and consider more sustainable alternatives. Join us in urging our industry leaders and environmental agencies to act now for a greener and more sustainable future.