Several independent analyses have concluded that using heavier duty, reusable bags saves on resources as less bags in total need to be produced - especially those bags that can be recycled at the end of their life.

Stronger carry bags, unlike the lightweight bags, are also less likely to be littered and, even if they are, they are unlikely to be transported into sensitive environments like oceans and rivers.

Click on the links below to find out about each plastic bag alternative

Polypropylene bags, like the 'Green Bags' seen in Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, are made from non-woven polypropylene that is manufactured from polypropylene gas, a by-product of oil refining. These reusable bags often have a solid removable base that is manufactured from nylon or PET.

Polypropylene bags can carry more shopping than plastic check-out bags, so shoppers use less. They are sturdy and designed to be reused repeatedly. They have a lifespan of up to three years and can be recycled.

Polypropylene bags reduce consumption (and therefore environmental impacts) of single use bags and may encourage customers to be more ‘waste-wise’ in daily life.

Calico bags are made from cotton, which requires a lot of water resources to be grown. However, they can be reused and will hold more shopping than a plastic bag. The expected life span of a calico bag is 1 year.

Like polypropylene bags, calico bags reduce consumption (and therefore environmental impacts) of single use bags and may encourage customers to be more ‘waste-wise’ in their daily life.

Both paper bags and plastic shopping bags produce more greenhouse gases during production than reusable bags.

Paper bags take more energy to manufacture than plastic bags and can’t be reused as often. Paper bags can however, be recycled in household kerbside recycling facilities and they are more degradable than plastic if they end up in landfill.

Paper bags are mostly manufactured locally. Some Australian paper bags contain up to 50% recycled content.