On the 12th of July each year, the world comes together to celebrate World Paper Bag Day, a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags. The theme of World Paper Bag Day 2023 is “If You’re Fantastic, Do Something ‘Dramatic’ to Cut the ‘Plastic’, Use ‘Plastic Bags’.
The history of the paper bag itself can be traced back to American school teacher-turned-priest-turned-inventor Francis Wolle. In 1852, he invented and patented the first paper-bag-making machine, after which he and his brother founded the Union Bag and Paper Company.
However, the popularity of plastic bags surged in the 20th century due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, as people became increasingly aware of the detrimental environmental impact of plastic bags, the use of paper bags resurfaced.
Paper Bag Day holds great significance as it plays a vital role in advocating for a more environmentally sustainable and pristine planet. The detrimental impact of plastic bags on our Earth cannot be underestimated, as their non-biodegradable nature poses a substantial threat. Thus, the advantages of using Paper Bags are:
- Renewable and Biodegradable: Paper bags are completely biodegradable and made from trees, a renewable resource. They gradually decompose organically, lowering their environmental effect.
- Reduced Plastic Pollution: We can lessen the shocking quantity of plastic garbage that ends up in landfills and seas by switching to paper bags. In order to preserve a healthier ecology and conserve marine life, choose paper over plastic.
- Creativity: Paper bags come in a variety of forms and sizes to meet a range of applications. They are strong and dependable and can support big objects without ripping. Additionally, for increased convenience, many paper bags now come with reinforced handles.
- Recyclable: Paper bags may be recycled much more easily than plastic bags. Paper recycling lessens the environmental effect by reducing water pollution and energy consumption.
World Paper Bag Day serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to shift towards more sustainable products and reduce our reliance on plastic bags. Child Help Foundation every year organizes paper bag activities at various locations. The paper bags are taught and made by school children and then later distributed to shop vendors thus raising awareness to stop using plastics and switching to paper bags.
This year too the team of Child Help Foundation organized an awareness session on Paper bags at Child Care Institution. The attendees were taught how to make paper bags and the benefits of paper bags were explained to them, along with the harmful environmental impacts of commonly-used plastic bags. Together let us create a greener and more sustainable world.