Bags Not! Towards a plastic shopping bag free Waitakere

Bags Not! is an eco city partnership with residents and businesses to achieve a plastic shopping bag free Waitakere.

Led by Waitakere City Council and championed by Mayor Bob Harvey, the Bags Not! campaign aims to raise awareness of the environmental issues surrounding the over-use of plastic bags and encourage people to make small, sustainable changes to collectively make a difference.

Did you know that New Zealanders alone use over one billion plastic bags every year? That's 250 per person! If everyone used just three fewer bags a week, that number would halve.

Whether you’re a resident or a retailer, it only takes a few practical steps to make a difference. It can be as simple as taking a reusable bag with you when you shop, or offering your customers a plastic bag alternative.

The Bags Not! website is full of useful information on avoiding plastic bag usage and using and sourcing more environmentally-friendly options. It's also packed with interesting facts and figures and examples of successful campaigns in communities, cities and countries around the world that have made a real difference in addressing 'the plastic bag problem'. We welcome your tips and feedback.