A GRASSROOTS MISSION
PROTECTING THE PLANET
ADVANCING CANCER RESEARCH
ONE TOTE AT A TIME
We’re a grassroots, health promotion charity on a mission to replace single-use plastic bags with environmentally-friendly totes and to use the proceeds to fund breakthrough medical research in cancer and chronic disease.
WHY IT MATTERS
Plastic Bags Are Drowning Our Planet
Australians use nearly 6 billion single-use plastic bags each year. That’s around 36,000 tonnes of plastic.
Yet only 12% of plastic waste is recycled, with the vast majority ending up in landfill or our oceans.
Each year, over 130,000 tonnes of plastic leaks into Australia’s marine environment, choking wildlife and polluting our waterways.
Breakthroughs Need More Than Budgets
Australia invests around $10 billion each year in health and medical research, yet, this makes up only a small share of total research spending.
Government grants often prioritise late-stage or commercial-ready projects, leaving critical early-stage innovation underfunded. That’s why philanthropic support is essential — it fuels the bold ideas and life-saving discoveries.
HOW TO HELP
Donate to Bags for Earth & Science by dedicating a heart in honour of someone you love — whether they’re currently facing cancer or are no longer with us.
Every donation supports life-saving cancer research and helps protect our planet.
Buy a tote from our online store and be part of something bigger. Every dollar funds cancer and chronic disease research — and every bag helps reduce plastic waste.
Explore our upcoming fundraising events — from the annual Heart Tree Dedication Gala to local school and community fundraisers. Want to host your own event? We’d love to hear from you.
Take part in a fun, purpose-driven challenge to raise funds for medical research and educate students on environmental sustainability. Get your school involved and make change happen — one week at a time.
GALLERY
Moments that Matter
Take a look behind the scenes of our recent fundraising events — the smiles, the stories, and the incredible community making a real difference.