Plastic pollution is still one of the most prevailing problems
faced worldwide. The tangible effects of plastic can be noticed in almost every
part of the world - from clogged drainage systems to massive garbage heaps,
floating ocean trash, and so on; the impacts are uncountable.
Thankfully, today's consumers are more environmentally
conscious. They comprehend the effects of plastic quite well and are choosing
to live a sustainable life using sustainable products. The "go green"
movements carried out all around the world have significantly reduced the use
of plastic. More and more people are opting for eco-friendly bags to run errands. In fact, shopping malls and
departmental stores are offering cloth bag alternatives to help reduce plastic
waste.
If you haven’t thought about shifting from plastic bags to
eco-friendly bags yet, then this is your reminder to invest in a few eco-friendly
bag options, such as -
1.
Cloth bags
The number one option on our list of eco-friendly
bags is, of course, cloth bags. While we understand that
cloth bags haven't always been fashionable, that doesn't have to be the issue
anymore. There are many manufacturers and designers who weave incredibly
beautiful cloth bags that look gorgeous and are able to stand the test of time.
You can even come across reusable cloth bags made from recycled
materials, including tern bags. These bags are made using otherwise discarded
plastic waste to produce durable cloth bags that last for years without hurting
the environment.
2.
Reusable paper bags
Many grocery shops provide paper bag alternatives to prevent the
damage caused by the use of plastic bags. Paper bags, being biodegradable, do
not have a significant impact on the environment and even create less litter.
And since paper bags can be reused and recycled multiple times, they pose less
risk to the wildlife.
As a business owner, you can benefit from offering reusable
paper bags to your consumer. The first benefit is, of course, that they are
environmentally friendly, and second, plastic bags offer the option of printing
the brand logo or other design, therefore helping with marketing and promotion.
3.
Jute bags
Yet another alternative to plastic bags is Jute bags. They are
made using the fibers from the jute plant and have the ability to withstand a
heavy downpour.
What's best about jute bags is that they are quite strong and
durable. You can reuse them as often as you want without posing any threat to
the environment when it is the time to throw them away.
Compared to plastic bags, your customers will love receiving a
jute bag when purchasing something from your shop.
4.
Hemp bags
There is no other crop that is as environmentally friendly as
hemp. It requires little water and no pesticide to thrive and flourish. What’s
more? The long roots of hemp plants help in preventing soil erosion and ensure
to maintain the intactness of the topsoil.
When compared with cotton, hemp is quite strong. Besides, it can
be easily combined with other materials like cotton and silk to boost the
durability of the final product.
Even though hemp bags fall on the costlier side, their
durability easily offsets the money invested in them.
In short, hemp bags are a practical, eco-friendly, and
economical alternative to disposable bags.
5.
Cotton bags
The cotton bags you will typically find in the market are made
from organic cotton, traditional and recycled cotton. Since cotton bags are a
plant product, they are easily biodegradable.
Compared to plastic bags, cotton bags are more durable. In fact,
some cotton bags come with rigid bottoms for added stability. You can easily
come across cotton bags in a myriad of shapes, colors, and sizes to match your
personal style.
6.
Non-woven material bags
These types of bags are made using materials that do not require
traditional knitting or weaving. Instead, they are created through chemical and
heat processes. This is why non-woven bags are an affordable option.
Non-woven material bags are budget-friendly eco-friendly
bags. Their compact size also makes them a perfect grocery
shopping bag.
7.
Canvas bags
As a business owner, canvas bags can prove a great alternative
to the shopping bags that you offer to your consumers.
First of all, they make a good choice to print logos and brand
design. Second, canvas bags are lightweight and very handy for customers.
In short, canvas bags are great for retaining your brand value
without hurting the environment.
8.
Polyester bags
Not everything can be carried in a cloth or eco-friendly bags
because they don’t offer the similar waterproof ability of plastic bags. And
this is where the Polyester bags come in.
Reusable polyester bags have incredible mold resistance and they
don’t absorb the moisture. You can even come across polyester drawstring bags
for your outdoor use.
Since you will end up reusing the polyester bags, you eliminate
the plastic tax, prevent added usage of natural resources and fossil fuels, and
show your support for environmental causes.
9.
Bamboo bags
The last option on our list of eco-friendly
bags is bamboo bags. They make an ideal everyday use bag
due to their durability and lightweight. Bamboo bags are capable of
withstanding heavy weights without changing their shape or breaking.
You can easily clean them just as you would your normal clothes.
And since Bamboo bags have natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties,
they make a perfect choice for grocery shopping bags.
However, it is important to note that bamboo bags can cost you a
little more than other eco-friendly bags because they are rare, and experts
make them using special weaving skills.
Signing off
While it is easy to blame the government bodies for unclean
roads, lakes, rivers, oceans, etc., it is important to note that maintaining a
clean environment isn't just the officials' responsibility. It's everyone's
responsibility.
Start your journey to sustainable living by purchasing eco-friendly products from the Anchal Project. They have a myriad of sustainable home décor products that you can buy to contribute toward sustainability.