The Green Party is spearheading an effort to eradicate plastic bags from New Zealand.

It says 30 countries have already banned plastic bags or are in the process of doing so, and is lobbying for New Zealand to follow suit.

Every year 500 billion plastic bags are generated, which take 500 to 1000 years to degrade. These bags are responsible for the death of more than 100,000 marine animals.

“Thousands of New Zealanders already choose a reusable bag rather than plastic when they’re at the supermarket or shops – it’s time for John Key and the Government to get with the program and show some leadership on this issue,” said Green Party waste spokesperson, Denis Roche.

“There is a global movement to stop using plastic bags and we are lagging behind.

“If we want to keep our clean, green reputation, we need to join Ireland, Bangladesh, and Rwanda, as well as various states in Australia and the US, and phase them out.

“These bags, which are extremely difficult to dispose of, cause irreparable damage to our seas and wildlife.

“Anyone who’s seen a photo of a dead whale or dolphin that’s ingested a plastic bag will know how destructive they are.

“Plastic bags also produce thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions a year, contributing to climate change.

“We want the Government to declare plastic bags a priority product under the Waste Minimisation Act 2005 so that we can restrict and ultimately phase out their use.”