Talking to the media
and other groups
As we ride the wave of environmental and social change, you might be asked to speak on the radio, newspaper, talk to your local kindy, Rotary or other group.. so we have tried to make light work of it for you. Below is some key information and messaging that can be used when talking to media and other groups.
Boomerang Bags ‘Media Kit’
When writing your media release, be sure to include:
- where (your area)
- who (volunteers, community groups, councils, schools and so on)
- quotes/testimonials from key players (if you don’t have any, feel free to use ours)
- what (what is boomerang bags)
- Why (the plastic problem, why Boomerang Bags is a good solution and why people should get involved)
- How (how can people get involved i.e what you need help with)
- Key contact (and be ready for the phone calls and emails!)
Below is some key information and examples which could be adapted to develop your own media release.
What is Boomerang Bags all about?
Boomerang Bags is a not-for-profit organisation 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.
Our Impact
205603
recycled fabric bags made
860
communities worldwide
62000
kg waste saved from landfill
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 as a solution?
Key messages of 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
How can people get involved?
Volunteer your time or donate materials. Set up a sewing bee.
Visit www.boomerangbags.org to find out more or get involved with a community near you.
Links and other resources
High res images can be downloaded here.
Website: www.boomerangbags.org
Facebook: www.facebook.org/boomerangbags
Instagram: www.instagram.com/boomerangbags
Media samples
Testimonials
“One Boomerang Bag can pass through six sets of local hands before it’s finished; someone will collect the fabric, then it is cut to size, ironed, pinned, handles are also cut, ironed and sewn and then we cut and screen print our own pockets and sew the whole thing together.”
“Many of them say the social outcome of this project far outweighs the environmental outcome, particularly for individuals who would not otherwise have that interaction and sense of inclusion.”
“Boomerang Bags attracts a dynamic group of people, young and old, who are passionate about reducing plastic bag pollution. We, as volunteers, gain a great deal of satisfaction to be offered the opportunity to be proactive.”
“It means that small businesses and resorts have been given bags to offer their clients in place of the polluting plastic bags, in exchange for a few words educating their customers about the reasons why. It means that volunteers of all ages, male and female, come into the home economics room on a Saturday morning and cut, pin and sew bags from materials that would have otherwise become landfill. It means that many people who might otherwise be feeling a little lonely and isolated have been able to get together and share their stories and cuppas whilst doing something positive about litter. It means that school children with a genuine concern and passion about our wonderful environment can get involved in a practical hands-on approach, thus empowering them a little against the juggernaught of adult pollution practices. And it means that customers who have genuinely forgotten to bring their reusable bags can borrow one of these hand made bags and either return it for reuse by someone else, or reuse it themselves instead of plastic.”
“I believe that lots of people doing small things can make a huge difference. The Boomerang Bag initiative is just one answer to the plastic problem we have all created.”
“These bags allow for the community to take the lead on reducing waste and pollution.”
“This bag project has opened my eyes and made me realise there are jobs out there when we leave school where we can help save our environment.”
“I moved town and did not know anyone. So I started a Boomerang Bags community.”