Plastic Bags Ban in Islamabad
Pakistan’s current government has announced a complete ban on the usage of plastic bags in Islamabad. The ban will be imposed throughout the city from 14th August 2019.
The statement was issued by the minister of Climate Change Zartaj Gul during a ceremony on Monday,15th July 2019.
The initiative is well received and applauded by the masses and urged the government to ban the use of plastic bags in other cities of Pakistan.
Pakistan is ranked 7th among countries that are most affected by climate change i.e.floods, drought, storms, and other natural disasters.
And the decision to ban the use of plastic bags in Islamabad is in line with making Pakistan more environment-friendly country.
Also read: Biggest grocery trend that you need to know in 2019
What's the big deal with Plastic bags?
Plastics bags have become a part of our daily lives that we can’t imagine living without using it. We use plastic bags every day, without batting an eye on the consequences.
Most of the plastic bags are used a single time and get abandoned. They end up affecting our earth, not for decades but centuries.
Here’s why using plastic bags in hurting us and other habitats of our planet earth.
1: Plastic bags produces toxic fumes when it is burnt.2: Plastic bags take hundreds and even thousands of years to decompose.3: Plastic bags emit greenhouse gases when they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.4: Plastic bags are hazardous to animals and wildlife as well as marine life.5: They are not environmentally friendly and they can be easily tear compared to the cloth or jute bags.6: The plastic bag is a non-renewable resource.7: Plastic bags are low resistant to high temperature.8: Due to leaching of toxic dyes forms plastic bags, it can easily contaminate food products.9: It also affects agriculture, land, environment due to pollution caused by plastic bags.What are the Alternatives to Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags are one of the most used plastic sources in Pakistan.
Although few people are aware of the alternatives the majority of us still don’t use it. And it’s time to end our excuses here. .because other bags hold grocery better than the plastic bags and they are easier to carry.
Also read: Ways to protect environment by online shopping in Pakistan
1: Paper Bags
If we compare paper bags with single-use plastic bags it is evident that the former is 100% environment-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable.
These paper bags can be used by brands with their printed logos to have a cleaner appearance. These bags can easily be used as lunch bags, grocery bags, and merchandise bags.
2: Canvas Bags
Canvas bags are made of cotton and are much more durable than plastic ones.
They are easily available in different sizes and shapes. The best thing about these bags is that they can be washed and reused again.
You can also make these at homes using DIY videos fro Youtube and stay cost-effective.
3: Cotton Bags
Other handy bags which can be used as an alternative of plastic bags are cotton bags.
Cotton bags are termed as the most environmentally friendly bags due to their usability and biodegradability.
The raw material comes from farming of cotton and although the cost of cultivating cotton is high due to the higher amount of water requirements and pesticides these cotton bags still makes a perfect alternative for plastic bags.
4: Jute Bags
Just like cotton bags, jute bags are also environmentally friendly and 100% biodegradable.
Jute bags are an old alternative of plastic bags and it doesn’t harm the environment.
These inexpensive jute bags are quite durable to carry heavy grocery items without tearing the bag. They can easily be washed and reused when required.
5: Basket Bags
Last but certainly not the least, basket bags are made of fibers and cotton and traditionally being used a few decades ago for shopping.
They look rustic but durable to carry fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other grocery items. Basket bags are too environmental friendly and don’t affect the environment.
They can naturally be biodegradable after a few years.
What do you need to do?
Banning of plastic bags in Islamabad is a constructive approach to tackle the consequences of climate change in Pakistan.
We as Pakistani citizens need to cooperate with the government to reduce the usage of plastic shoppers as much as we can. The above-mentioned bags should be carried around for our weekly and monthly grocery shopping. We should also encourage shopkeepers to completely ban of selling their products in plastic bags.
