SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS

Most people only use a plastic bag one time, then throw it away. Single-use plastic bags have motivated some cities to ban them altogether. Overall, about 127 countries regulate plastic bags in some way. These regulations include phasing out plastic bags and providing incentives for reusable bags, too. 

Despite these regulations, plastic bags continue to be a massive problem for our planet. Each year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean harming fish and wildlife. When plastic enters the food chain, it can also harm human health.

Other facts about plastic bags include: 

• It takes between 100 and 500 years for plastic bags to disintegrate.
• We make 5 trillion plastic bags each year.
• We only use plastic bags for 25 minutes per use.
• Every minute around the world, we use 1 million plastic bags.
• Each year, plastic bags kill 100,000 marine animals.

Besides being bad for the environment, plastic bags are poorly designed, and they rarely get recycled.

INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC BAG FREE DAY

Every year on July 3rd, International Plastic Bag Free Day encourages people to cut down on the use of plastic bags. Zero Waste Europe established International Plastic Bag Free Day in 2009. In recent years, the day has become part of the Break Free from Plastic movement. This campaign brings together an international movement of plastic pollution fighters. As of 2020, the movement has grown to nearly 6,500 individuals and over 2,400 organisations. International Plastic Bag Free Day looks for safer alternatives to demonstrate that a world without the use of so much plastic is possible. It is part of the Break Free from Plastic Movement and has been joined by nearly 1,500 different organisations. The movement is looking for solutions to the plastic pollution crisis, to make the planet safer for humans, the environment and wildlife. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Environmental organisations and concerned citizens hold events around the world. The events raise awareness of the negative impact that single-use plastics have on the environment. To participate:

• Commit to cutting down on the use of plastic bags.
• Save your plastic bags and take them to a recycling centre.
• Use reusable bags for shopping.
• Educate others on the adverse effects plastic bags have on the environment.
• Learn about how plastic bags can harm animals.
• Encourage your community to reduce its reliance on plastic bags.

HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC BAG FREE DAY

There are a lot of good ways to celebrate, and the easiest requires a simple resolution on your part. Even if just for one day, choose paper over plastic, or even better bring your own bags to the retailers to pick up your goods and these types of Non plastic bags are available on our WEBSITE. You can replace the plastic toxic bags by purchasing our Non-toxic cloth bags now!