International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed on the 3rd of July every year to make people aware of the damages it cause. It is observed across multiple nations across the world to find viable replacements and encourage their usage.
Plastic bags form a large percentage of the plastic pollution worldwide. Due to the non-biodegradable nature, these bags choke a large percentage of world’s marine population. Terrestrial animals and birds are also effected by this.
On the occasion of International Plastic Bag Free Day, Discover East brings to you a few tips and tricks to go without Plastic Bags.
Replacements of plastic bags on International Plastic Bag Free Day
- Avoid taking plastic bags whenever possible. If you can carry an item in your hand, it makes no sense to get a plastic bag for the same. It might be free for you, but not for the environment.
- Recycled jeans can be sewed up to make trendy and sturdy bags. They can serve as style statements as well, unlike monotonous plastic bags.
- Jute is an old favorite for making bags in the Indian Subcontinent. They are not only washable, but also durable. Jute bags can also carry more load than their plastic counterparts.
- Linen bags can be used to store food. Fresh food stored linen bags tend to last longer than in plastic bags.
- Canvas or Cotton is also a viable replacement for plastic bags. They can be customized, designed and even repaired as per need.
- Carry a Bag from home everyday for your daily needs. This prevents the irresponsible consumption of plastic bags.
- Wrapping Gifts in paper is good enough as wrapping or carrying it around in a fancy plastic packet. People are going to add it to garbage anyways.
- Paper Bags can be used a replacement for plastic bags when it comes to fresh and dry materials like grains and rice.
- Coconut shells and husk can replace plastic grow bags in the plant nurseries.
