International Plastic Bag Free Day 2023: Date, theme, history and significance
2 min read 03 Jul 2023, 05:00 AM ISTThe day serves as a reminder to individuals, communities and businesses worldwide to reduce their reliance on plastic bags and find more sustainable solutions
PremiumPlastic bags are everywhere, from grocery stores to retail businesses, but they pose significant threat to our beloved mother Earth. They not only take hundreds of years to decompose but also cause harm to wildlife and pollute oceans and landscapes causing long-term damage to our ecosystems. However, there is a strong growing movement to stop uses of plastic bags and promote eco-friendly alternatives.
International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of single-use plastic bags on the environment. The day serves as a reminder to individuals, communities and businesses worldwide to reduce their reliance on plastic bags and find more sustainable solutions.
International Plastic Bag Free Day 2023: Date and history
International Plastic Bag Free Day is celebrated on July 3 every year. The initiative was started by the Bag Free World campaign, a global movement aiming to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags that inspired other parts of the world to participate in Plastic Bag Free Day. In 2008, Zero Waste Europe launched a campaign against single-use plastic bags on which was on 3 July. In 2015, the European Union also passed certain directives to reduce the usage of single-use plastic bags.
The movement gained momentum over the years, with many countries implementing bans on plastic bags. Today, this day is a global event observed by a large number of countries across the world.
International Plastic Bag Free Day 2023: Theme
There is no specific theme for International Plastic Bag Free Day 2023. But the day aims for a plastic-free world and to encourage sustainable solutions.
Impact on our environment
Plastic bags have far-reaching impact on our environment. They take hundreds of years to decompose. They are a major source of pollution, causing harm to wild, marine life and contributing to the destruction of our ecosystem. Plastic bags, made up from fossil fuels, are significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Alternatives to plastic bags
Today, there are several alternatives available in the market like paper bags, reusable cotton bags, mesh bags etc. One of the most common alternatives is reusable bags made of canvas, cotton, or other materials. These bags are strong, durable, and can be used multiple times. Another alternative is paper bags, which are biodegradable and recyclable. Mesh bags, especially useful for carrying fruits and vegetables, are lightweight, and can be washed and reused several times.
International Plastic Bag Free Day 2023: Significance
The International Plastic Bag Free Day aims to create a collective consciousness to take steps toward reducing reliance on plastic bags and promoting sustainable alternatives. The Day also encourages behavioural change against the use of plastic bags to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment. The day also serves as a reminder of the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment, wildlife and human health.
