In 2018-19, Australia generated 2.5 millions tonnes of plastic waste. Only 9% percent was recycled while 84% was sent to landfill. We use around 70 billion pieces of soft scrunchable plastics, such as food wrappers each year. As an example, plastic packaging from supermarkets and single-use plastic items made up over 60% of litter collected in NSW. By 2050, it is estimated that plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish. In Australia approximately 130,000 tonnes of plastic leaks into the marine environment every year. Although most supermarkets now have dispensed with the use of plastic bags at the register which is a huge and positive step in the right direction, there is still an enormous amount of plastic included in pre-packaging fruit and vegetables, as well as grains, nuts and other goods produced by Coles and Woolworths homebrands.

In Australia we need Coles and Woolworths to dedicate 30% of their major stores to refill stations. I believe this would be an important step towards getting the public to embrace the idea of living ‘plastic-free’. As a supermarket customer you have the right to choose where you shop and how much plastic you get with your shop.

By signing this petition you know that you are looking after the environment and ultimately saving many lives for the future.