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Focuses on the actions taken by local authorities at Coles Bay, an Australian tourist town, on reducing the consumption of plastic bags in the country. Use of reusable paper bag as an alternative to plastic bags; Reasons behind the decision to help reduce plastic bags consumption; Information on the partnership between Planet Ark environmental group and Coles Bay retailers. INSET: PLANET ARK LAUNCHES GIVEAWAY OF CALICO SHOPPING BAGS.

Discusses a public inquiry conducted by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) into the ways of changing the Australian Patent Law to adapt to the issues of patenting genetic materials and technologies as of June 1, 2004. Concerns about the application of patent law to genetic materials and technologies; Impact of exploiting gene patents in the marketplace on the health care system; Discussion paper entitled "Gene Patenting and Human Health," published by the ALRC in March 2004, which contains proposals for reform on the practice of gene patenting. INSETS: Patents on "Junk" DNA;Bioprospecting.

Focuses on reducing the environmental impact of plastic bags. Background on the sources of plastic rubbish in Australia; Information on the Bag Yourself A Better Environment campaign conducted by the Clean Up Australia; Responses of several sectors to the campaign; Activities organized by several provinces in Australia to help reduce the impact of plastic bags on local environments in March 2003. INSET: PLASTIC BAG FACTS.

The article offers the author's insights on the economic implications of biodegradable materials for packaging. He says that the advent of such materials and the so-called green plastic has not called much attention of the consumers in Australia, unlike in other countries such as Europe, China and Japan. He says that in some parts of the U.S., many interest groups are urging the government to overturn bans on plastic bags. He adds that in resource reduction, the amount of conventional plastic bags that would use similar fossil fuel resources as the green bags should also be considered.

Focuses on the implications of the plastic bag use and disposal in Australia. Information on a report of the Plastic Bags Working Group; Identification of the four areas of concern related to plastic bag use that need to be addressed; Development of options designed to addressed issues in plastic bag use and its effects on the environment and natural resources.