Western Australia has claimed first place in WWF-Australia's plastics scorecard thanks to the fast-tracking of the Plan for Plastics.
Released today, WWF-Australia's 2021 scorecard for Plastic Free July names WA as the best in the nation for single-use plastic reform.
The Plan for Plastics has been fast-tracked by the McGowan Government by four years and will see single-use plastics including bowls, plates, cutlery, straws and polystyrene food containers banned by December 2021.
The second stage of the plan, which starts in December 2022, will see further single-use plastic products phased out, including takeaway coffee cups and lids.
WWF-Australia has today praised the State Government for becoming the first jurisdiction in the country to take action on coffee cups.
Fast-tracking the Plan for Plastics will save hundreds of millions of single-use plastic items from becoming litter or landfill.
As stated by Environment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"It is fantastic to see Western Australia being recognised for its nation-leading action on plastics.
"Single-use plastics are a scourge on our environment and our native wildlife and we all have a role to play in reducing our use this Plastic Free July.
"Our fast-tracked plan will prevent millions of tonnes of plastics ending up as litter and in our oceans.
"Thank you to WWF-Australia and Kate Noble for this honour which confirms Western Australia is number one in the country for tackling plastic pollution."
