SUNIL VAID
Paper Bag Day is celebrated every year on July 12, as a reminder of the importance of eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. This day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about harmful effects of plastic on the environment and promote the use of sustainable alternatives such as paper bags. It is a day to reflect on our consumption habits and make conscious efforts to protect our planet. It is we the people, who can do it. On this paper bag day, let us get-together to inspire others to make positive change. The Earth is what we have in common. Let us make conscious changes today for a sustainable tomorrow. The future is in our hands, let’s hold on the plastic bags and protect our planets precious resources. Let us unite in our efforts to reduce plastic waste and choose sustainable alternatives.
Let us celebrate the humble paper bag, which does more than carrying our groceries. Today, millions of people choose to switch to paper bags for carrying their shopping, as the wide spread use of plastic and its harmful effects on the environment at large, raise alarm bells in our collective consciousness. So how do paper bags aid us in the fight against environmental pollution and climate change? Firstly paper is biodegradable, which immediately makes it a preferable alternative to plastic, which is not. Paper bags are also made of renewable raw materials, which encourages a sustainable lifestyle, as they can be recycled. This gives our environment, a bit of break too. Paper bags can be quite durable, except when soggy, and have more up market aesthetic appeal thanks to high-end brands popularizing minimal and sustainable packaging. So really, what is not to love about paper bags.
History of Paper Bag Day
It is not clear who officiated paper bags day, we can surmise that it must have been founded in order to raise convenience about important environmental issue like climate charge and to promote a more sustainable life style by introducing paper bags as alternatives to plastic bags. An American school teachers – turned Priest – Turned inventor Francis WOLLE in 1852, invented and patented the first paper bag machine, after which he and his brother founded the Union Bag and paper company. In 1871, Margaret E . Knight decided to refine Wolle’ design by inventing a machine that would produce paper bags with boxy bottoms. This improvement earned her the title of “Mother of the grocery Bag” as it was the key template for the foldable paper bags we use today. In 1883, Charles Stillwell Tweaked Knights Design further, adding placated sides to paper bags in order to make it easier to carry, fold and store. In 1912, Walter Deubenes added a cord to reinforce the paper bags and handler for ease of carrying. Thus, the final product, which is the bag of today, is clearly and combined effort of all these inventors. Thanks to them.
How to Celebrate Paper Bag Day
- Switch on two paper bags. If you have not done so; there is no better day to make an informed decision to switch to using paper bags for most of the shopping as they are safe, durable and stronger.
- Have fun with paper bags. Paper bags can be fun, too. Many craft activities can be like creating scrap book, making paper bag puppet, decorating paper bags with kids with old paper bags. Paper bags come in handy due to their alternative uses. For instance paper bags work better then wipers to clean windows. They can be used for decorations even as an eco friendly option for packing lunches.
- Recycle at home. Recycle your paper bags if they are still in good condition. Store them carefully for reuse. If they are damaged, they can be used in composting, as well as for wrapping food items (like garlic and onions). Not only does store fruit in paper bags ripen them and keeps them in good condition. They won’t end up in landfills or pollute oceans and rivers. And if you are looking to save money, many stores offer reusable paper, shopping bags that can last for years.
As plastic bags waste is causing serious threat to the environment across the world, GOI has announced a draft of “Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2021” on March 11, 2011. For combating any social issues ‘bans’ have been a favorite measure of Indian Policy. The policy is being implemented in centre as well as states but not successful at length. Reports have indicated that plastic items (plastic bags) is increasing@7% per year as against 3% of global average. The Govt. will have to take strict action and seek people’s cooperation to switch on to paper bags and shun plastic bags.
Paper Bags Day is all about choosing to be more sustainable and eco-friendly, as we grapple with the all-too-real crises like climate change and globalization. A simple switch to paper bags will make a difference. Paper bags are toxin free and safe for use, so we have a reason to appreciate this invention. We have to ensure that the next generation does not experience doomsday early due to global environmental crises that are making life on earth more of a challenge. Heavy words, we know but simple, conscious decisions like switching to paper bags and choosing recyclable materials for everyday use can help combat these universal challenges and ensure a sustainable future. World paper bag days is a significant opportunity to learn about the environmental benefits of paper bags and opt for paper bags, embrace sustainability and shape a greener future together.