The Boomerang Bags Movement

Boomerang Bags is a global, grassroots movement connecting and empowering local communities to tackle plastic pollution at its source.

Boomerang Bags is a not-for-profit organisati0n tackling plastic bag pollution at its source. We engage communities in the development of an innovative alternative to single use plastic bags – community made, reusable bags from preloved, recycled or reclaimed materials.

Boomerang Bags works to increase awareness about plastic pollution and foster sustainable behaviour at a grass-roots level through creating conscious, connected communities. Our volunteers collect and upcycle unwanted material, diverting thousands of kilograms of waste from landfill, and create a platform where communities can connect, socialise, learn new skills and contribute positively to the local community, building social capital and developing environment stewardship.

The bags are then made available to local communities at markets, events and festivals, libraries, schools and businesses to provide sustainable alternatives to plastic, creating conversations about the importance of re-use, caring for our planet and each other and fostering sustainable behaviour.

Website: www.boomerangbags.org
Facebook: www.facebook.org/boomerangbags 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/boomerangbags

Our impact so far …

Why do we do it? The problem with plastic

Plastic pollution is one of the largest global threats to the environment, with research finding that no part of the planet is free of plastic waste. The impacts of plastic on the environment and living creatures, even humans, are irrefutable.

> Over 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, half of which is for single-use items (plastic bags, coffee cups, plastic bottles, straws, etc).

> 8-10 million tonnes of plastic waste is ending up in the oceans every year.

> Every single piece of plastic ever made still exists in some form, somewhere in the world (unless burnt).

> Plastic doesn’t break down, it breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces (microplastics) which are then consumed by fish, birds and even plankton. In some parts of the ocean, plastic outweighs plankton 5:1 (check latest statistic).

> Plastic is made from petroleum. It is an unsustainable use of fossil fuel reserves and places pressure on waste management and drainage systems.

> Recent research is finding 1 in 4 fish at seafood markets with plastic in their stomach contents.

What’s so good about Boomerang Bags?

• Boomerang Bags aims to tackle waste at its source, creating conversations about the issue and providing hands-on solutions, as well as opportunities to connect with each other, learn new skills, start important conversations and raise much needed awareness. Communities are showing us that this simple idea can lead to extensive cultural and behavioural change by:
  > changing attitudes and value systems, creating a paradigm shift to a more connected and conscious society
  > providing practical solutions and strategies for social and environmental change
  > mobilising the power of community
  > building social connections through community engagement
  > creating a mindset of reuse and fostering sustainable behaviour
  > creating an optimistic scenario for the future
  > providing a platform for people to learn new skills