Today is International
Plastic Bag Free Day and is an annual observance held on the 3rd of
July. It’s a global initiative, placing an important spotlight on either
eliminating or rapidly reducing one’s dependency on single-use plastic bags.
Furthermore, it is about making society aware of the over-consumption of plastic
bags as well as disposable products, working towards developing more
responsible and more environmentally friendly habits. It promotes environmental
conservation as it encourages people to reject plastic bags.
All over the
worlds group hold events to place a spotlight on the threats plastic bags pose
for marine and land ecosystems, and prohibit the production and distribution of
single-use plastic bags, to decrease the use of plastic bags and what the
alternatives to single-use plastic bags are.
Single-use
plastic bags are usually used only one time and has become a symbol of a
consumer society. Not only that but these bags are usually
found on the coast and in the ocean, which means that it has dire consequences
on the marine environment. It’s also responsible, coupled with other litter
items, for the deaths of about 100,000 marine mammals every year.
Thankfully over
the last couple of years, there has been a considerable growth in raising
awareness internationally. As part of this, many countries have already banned
plastic bags. On this day retailers are encouraged to not supply plastic shopping
bags and consumers are encouraged to not use plastic shopping bags. Instead, reusable
bags are promoted.
Did you
know?
·
On average a plastic bag is used
for only 25 minutes
·
It takes between 100 and 500 years
for a plastic bag to disintegrate
·
One million plastic bags are used
around the world every minute
·
80% of marine litter is plastic.
Plastic
Free July
It’s about refusing single-use plastic
during July. This is a very important initiative as it raises awareness of the
problems with single-use disposable plastic and the issues surrounding plastic,
challenges people to do something about it by providing solutions and
alternatives. It’s also about encouraging new environmentally friendly habits.
References
