As a deeply concerned citizen, I am witnessing the environmental and societal impacts of plastic waste. It is a massive, global issue that Australia needs to address with urgency. We need to take definitive action by legislating and implementing restrictions on plastic manufacture.

Australia urgently needs to introduce a regulatory framework that controls the production of new plastic, restricts the types of plastics manufactured, and impose a levy on companies that produce plastics which are not currently recyclable with our present infrastructure. The funds collected from these levies should be used to upgrade plastic recycling capabilities in each state and territory.

We also need to put a monetary value on plastic waste as an incentive for businesses and individuals to recycle more diligently - similar to the successful container exchange scheme model.

Investing in science and technologies will increase our recycling capabilities across all states and territories, making us leaders in sustainable practices globally. According to The Guardian (2017) Australia recycles only 16% of the plastic produced. Close to 45 kilograms of plastic waste is estimated to be thrown away per person in Australia every year (2023). This needs to change.

The time for change is now; let's reduce our environmental footprint by taking responsibility for our waste management systems today! Please sign this petition urging Australian lawmakers to implement these necessary changes immediately!