International Plastic Bag Free Day, held on July 3 each year, aims to increase awareness about the negative effects of plastic on the environment. This day inspires individuals to swap out disposable plastic bags for sustainable options, contributing to a worldwide movement to eliminate their use. Actors talk about eco-friendly alternatives they use to live a plastic-free lifestyle which contributes to a sustainable environment. These include &TV artists such as Manisha Arora (Mahua, Doosri Maa), Gazal Sood (Kate Singh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Manisha Arora, aka Mahua from Doosri Maa, comments, “Recognizing the harm caused by single-use plastic, I have consciously abandoned its use. As suitable alternatives to plastics. I prioritize recycling everything I use, not just plastic, fostering a shift towards reusable options, which I see as a personal responsibility. Back home, we have replaced plastic bags with homemade cloth or nylon bags made from recycled materials. My talented mother repurposes items, demonstrating her skill in turning waste into something useful. When grocery shopping, I always carry my nylon bag, a thoughtful gift from her. Stylish synthetic polymer bags compacted for easy storage are also available. Seeking alternatives is vital in today’s world. Sincere dedication to modifying our daily habits enables harmonious coexistence in this wonderful, yet limited world.”
Gazal Sood, aka Kate Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, adds, “Using biodegradable alternatives can have a significant positive impact on our planet. Easily accessible substitutes such as coconut leaves, paper, bamboo, cotton, and jute are not only environmentally friendly but also safe for our health. In my household, we opt for jute bags, which possess qualities like strength, affordability, durability, biodegradability, and compostability. Additionally, I enjoy creating tote bags from my collection of old jeans and repurposing them in creative ways to avoid plastic usage. I also prefer bamboo bags as a perfect everyday solution. They are both robust and lightweight, capable of carrying heavy loads without breaking or losing shape. These bags are easy to clean, naturally possess anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, and allow me to make a style statement. I firmly believe that reducing, rejecting, and reusing plastic products can contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “To protect the environment, it’s crucial for all of us to take collective action in reducing single-use plastics. Unfortunately, much of the plastic we dispose of either gets recycled or burned in waste-to-energy facilities. However, a significant portion of it ends up in landfills, where it can take up to 1,000 years to break down, releasing potentially harmful substances into the soil and water. Fortunately, we can easily avoid this harm by replacing plastic with eco-friendly alternatives. There are plenty of creative options available, such as cloth, jute, or paper bags. Additionally, affordable biodegradable carry bags are also a great choice. I enjoy crafting, and during my leisure time, I make these small carry bags using old cloth and add embroidery designs to them. Cotton is an excellent material for reusable shopping bags because it’s durable and soft. It’s one of the many reusable bag types that can be washed. If any accidents or spills happen during grocery shopping, I believe this is an effective way to recycle and reuse waste. On International Plastic Bag Free Day, let’s each contribute and become more environmentally responsible citizens by doing our part to reduce plastic usage. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet.”
This International Plastic Bag Free Day choose reusable alternatives to make a lasting difference for a plastic-free future!
Tune in to Doosri Maa at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
