The province is asking for ideas from the public on what should be done with plastic bags.

Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie wants to know the best way to reduce the impact of the bags on the environment.

Manitoba was the first province in Canada to ban plastic bags in liquor stores and the second to set targets for packaging.

Proposals the government is already looking at are:

– plastic carry-out bags sold and distributed in Manitoba contain a minimum of 25 per cent post-consumer recycled material, increasing to 50 per cent within five years;
– all larger stores that distribute plastic bags have take-back programs for recycling plastic bags;
– all plastic bags sold or distributed in Manitoba be imprinted with a message reminding users to recycle or reuse the bag; and
– all compostable or biodegradable plastic bags sold or distributed in Manitoba be required to meet national or international standards and be certified as such.

Information related to the consultation will be posted online.

See Also:

• HBC Stores Begin Charging for Plastic Bags
• Plastic Bag Exchange Hoping to Clean Up City
• Proposed Ban on Plastic Bags in Manitoba