Use One Less Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme

presented by

Guyenterprise

To get consumers to minimize the use of plastic bags and other single-use reusable containers by replacing these with non-reusable products.

Behavioural Goal

At least 10% of waste generated in Region 4 NDCs comprises plastic bags and other plastic containers.

Plastics are devastating to the environment because they photodegrade breaking down into smaller, more toxic petro-polymers which contaminate soils and waterways.

It costs more to recycle a plastic bag than to produce a new one. Globally, only 1% of plastic bags are recycled.

Plastics are dumped in the ocean, drains, other waterways. One reusable bag can save the use of 6 plastic bags a

week or 288 bags a year. A reusable polypropylene bag only needs to be reused

11 times to match the carbon footprint of 1 plastic bag.

Key Facts

Distribute free of charge high quality bags with an appealing design.

Raise the level of awareness and understanding of the environmental and economic impacts of reusable bags.

Positively influence attitudes about using a reusable bag, and negatively influence attitudes about using plastic bags.

Also target retail businesses who routinely provide their customers with plastic bags and who may prohibit reusable shopping bags on their premises.

What we will be doing

Shoppers to bring their reusable bag instead of using plastic bags.

Retailers to encourage the use of re-usable bags and discourage the use of plastic bags.

What do we want people to do?

Your reusable bag differentiates you from those who do not care about the environment.

Using the bag encourages other shoppers to do so and increases awareness of the plastic bag problem.

When you use the bag, you should feel good about yourself, instead of feeling guilty for using plastic bags which harm the environment.

Attitudes to influence

Use ONE LESS plastic bag every time you shop. Use reusable bags instead of plastic bags. Take your reusable bag with you and use it as much as you

can. If you have to take a plastic bag, reuse it as much as you

can before dumping Plastic bags/ bottles/ containers may be convenient but

cause long term harm to the environment. Carrying a reusable bag is easy and beneficial to you, your

family and the environment. There are economic benefits to replacing plastic bags with

more long-lasting alternatives.

Key Messages

Use your reusable bag. Talk about its benefits. Encourage your audience to try this.

Remind your audience to use their bags especially on Saturdays.

Supermarket sweeps to see who is using reusable bag and to give out prizes.

Call-in shows around environmental issues with the bags as prizes.

Interviews with bag users to talk about why they reuse. Talk about other ways to reduce the use of plastics e.g. buy

larger rather than single serve portions to cut down on packaging.

How can you help?