International Plastic Bag Free Day

International Plastic Bag-Free Day, celebrated on July 3rd, is an opportunity to reflect on the impact of plastic bag use and the growing problem of global plastic pollution. Around 500 billion plastic bags are used globally every day, with many not being disposed of properly, contributing to environmental damage.

History

For much of history, disposable items were not commonly used. With the industrial revolution, plastic emerged as a reliable and affordable material. During World War II, plastic bags were produced in large quantities for the British army. In 1965, the Swedish company Celloplast introduced the polyethylene shopping bag, which quickly replaced bags made from other materials. By 1979, plastic bags were widely used in the United States.

In 1997, sailor and scientist Charles Moore discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, one of the largest accumulations of plastic waste in the ocean, which poses a significant threat to marine life. Plastic bags are especially harmful to turtles, which often mistake them for jellyfish. In 2002, Bangladesh became the first country to ban plastic bags after they contributed to severe flooding by blocking drainage systems. Other countries, including Italy, South Africa, China, Australia, and Rwanda, followed suit.

International Plastic Bag-Free Day was established to encourage the use of safer alternatives to plastic bags. This day is part of the Plastic-Free Movement, which began in 2016 and now has over 1,500 organizations working to reduce plastic use worldwide.

Interesting Facts

• According to the EPA, human-made plastic can take at least 1,000 years to decompose.
• In 2017, India banned not only plastic bags but also plastic cutlery, cups, and plates.
• Plastic accounts for 75% of all marine litter today.

How to Take Part

On International Plastic Bag-Free Day, focus on reducing your use of plastic bags. Reuse bags whenever possible, take them to recycling centers, or replace them with reusable options like cloth bags. Raise awareness about the issue of plastic pollution by sharing information with friends and family. You can also watch documentaries such as A Plastic Ocean and Bag It to learn more about the effects of plastic on the environment.

When is International Plastic Bag-Free Day in 2025?

International Plastic Bag-Free Day is observed on July 3 each year.

Observations