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Monash goes plastic bag free

14 December 2005

From 2006, all six of Monash's Victorian campuses will aim to become plastic-bag-free zones.

Plastic bag free: Professor Richard Larkins and Ms Elana Welsh.

All departments and Monash-affiliated groups will be expected to encourage people to bring their own bags to campus and discourage the provision of plastic bags to customers.

Each year Australians use about six billion plastic check-out bags. At least 80 million of these end up littering beaches, streets and parks.

Environmental advisor Ms Elana Welsh, from Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, said she expected most vendors would participate in the project immediately.

"However in some areas, such as Monash hosting external conferences, the process will take some time to implement," she said.

"This initiative shows that Monash is taking a lead role in environmental policy. Hopefully this will also encourage other communities and universities to act in a more sustainable way."

The plastic-bag-free program is an initiative of the university's Environmental Policy Committee and is supported by the Vice-Chancellor.

Monash staff and students will be educated about the program through signage and service initiatives.

At enrolment and Open Day, some campuses will issue 'enviro' bags to students, while others will ask students to support the program by bringing their own bags.

In 2003, more than 110,000 plastic bags were issued to customers at Monash campuses.

"This represents a significant environmental footprint that will be improved greatly through the elimination of plastic bags on campus," Ms Welsh said.