Initiating Boomerang Bags in Condobolin

A movement to foster sustainable behavior around plastic use

Initiating Boomerang Bags in Condobolin

A movement to foster sustainable behavior around plastic use

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The issue

Plastic in our environment is a huge issue causing significant unnecessary waste in landfill that does not break down - becoming permanent pollution. The plastic bottles, bags and takeaway containers that we use for just a few minutes uses a material that is designed to last forever. It also easily 'escapes' collection and ends up in waterways and transfers into the food chain carrying pollutants and affecting our wildlife.

In July 2018 our local IGA grocery store initiated the elimination of single use plastic bags in Condobolin. This provided the impetus for a drive to find an sustainable alternative to plastic bags in our region.

The solution

Boomerang Bags is a community driven initiative that began in Burleigh Heads QLD in 2013, it is about tackling plastic pollution at a grassroots level. The idea is to have communities make re-useable ‘Boomerang Bags’ using recycled materials, which are made available to the wider community as a sustainable alternative to plastic bags.

Condobolin & Districts Landcare Coordinator Dr Libby Roesner is driving the initiative locally along with students at Condobolin High School and other interested members of the community. Supported by the Lachlan Shire Council, the Condobolin Library, Condobolin Newsagency and Boomerang Bags Australia, the aim is to reduce plastic consumption, promote up-cycling of materials, and build community networks and relationships within the local area.

The impact

‘Boomerang Bags’ has been a wonderful and timely initiative for the Condobolin district and the community has embraced the bags completely with nearly 500 bags made and distributed to date. We have had support from several groups and individuals that have helped by either donating fabrics and materials, threads or even sewing machines, and helping to create bags at regular ‘sewing bees’. We have also received financial support from council which has allowed us to purchase printing materials and sewing machines. Most importantly the promotion and conversations about the bags have fostered significant behavioural change in the community.

Learnings

Shifting away from single-use bags is a big change for most people and we all require support and encouragement to help us change our habits from convenience to thoughtful action.

Boomerang Bags is about making bags, diverting waste, starting conversations, connecting with each other, fostering sustainable behaviour, and having fun! We rely on the willingness and generosity of people in the community to help us do something about reducing plastic waste in our region.