On July 3, International Plastic Bag Free Day is celebrated around the world to promote the reduction of plastic bag use. A group of organizations and individuals concerned about the damage single-use plastic bags cause to the environment launched the Bag Free World campaign in 2008, which is the driving force behind this effort. Their mission is to promote sustainable alternatives while raising public awareness about the harmful consequences of plastic bags on the environment, wildlife, and human health.
Most people use plastic bags only once before throwing them away, severely polluting the environment. According to research reports, it is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic debris are dumped into the ocean each year, endangering marine life. In response, some cities have banned single-use plastic bags altogether. Plastic harms fish and other species and endangers human health when it enters the food chain. This worrying situation highlights how important it is to reduce plastic waste and adopt eco-friendly habits.
How to celebrate it
With a few simple changes, you can celebrate International Plastic Bag Free Day easily and effectively. Start by bringing your own reusable bags to the store or, even better, choose to use paper instead of plastic. It’s economical and beneficial to the environment for consumers to bring their own bags, as many stores offer discounts or other rewards for doing so.
Participating in neighborhood clean-up initiatives is another popular way to celebrate International Plastic Bag Free Day. Walking around the streets, beaches, and riverside and collecting trash and disposing of it properly is a common activity at these get-togethers.
You can also express your creativity by making your own reusable bags. You can design and create personalized bags using a plethora of online tools and craft ideas, turning a simple task into a fun and eco-friendly undertaking.
Apart from reducing plastic waste, these initiatives also raise public awareness and encourage others to create a cleaner world.
4 sustainable plastic bag alternatives
- Bioplastic Bags: Bioplastic is a plant-based plastic that can be used as a natural alternative to traditional plastic bags made from fossil fuels.
- Mushroom-based bags – Mycelium, a substance derived from mushrooms, is used to create unique, biodegradable bags as an alternative to plastic.
- Paper bags are one of the most creative biodegradable alternatives to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags.
- Canvas Bags: A variety of synthetic and recyclable materials, as well as cotton, are used to make these.
The biggest threat to our environment is the use of plastic bags, especially single-use plastic bags. All living things are negatively affected by the huge amount of waste produced. To reduce the impact of this toxic product, there is an urgent need to use alternatives like paper bags and bioplastic bags in addition to canvas and jute bags.
