Do you really need that plastic bag?

Today, City of Canada Bay Mayor, Angelo Tsirekas, launched a trial program to help reduce the use of plastic bags around the city.

Launched at Wareemba Shopping Village, retailers and shoppers are being encouraged to use reusable bags when shopping and not single-use plastic bags.

"This community initiative promotes local action for sustainability and it's great to see so many people on board," said Mayor Angelo Tsirekas.

"Thank you to all the Wareemba retailers who have been so willing to participate in this trial. I know it will have a significant impact on the quality of our local environment.”

Single-use plastic bags have significant negative environmental impacts.They can take up to 1000 years to break down, many can't easily be recycled and production is fossil-fuel intensive.

After this one month trial, a full assessment will be undertaken to determine if the program is something our community wants to continue.