International Plastic Bag Free Day 2024 is celebrated on July 3. This annual celebration is focused on raising awareness on how plastic can negatively impact our world and encouraging more and more people to turn towards a plastic-free life. The world uses over five trillion single-use plastic bags in a year and this results in the creation of deadly waste in landfills. It is because of these uses that microplastics are now found in almost every organism, including humans and it is a concerning issue that needs to be highlighted. International Plastic Bag Free Day aims to do just that and help encourage more people to say no to plastic and live a more carbon-neutral and sustainable life. As we celebrate International Plastic Bag Free Day 2024, here we bring you the importance of International Plastic Bag Free Day date, significance and more. 

International Plastic Bag Free Day 2024 Date 

International Plastic Bag Free Day is celebrated on July 3 every year. The celebration of International Plastic Bag Free Day goes back to 2008 when Rezero, a member of Zero Waste Europe (ZWE), took the first steps to make a change. Every year, the commemoration is marked by raising awareness on all the ways that plastic bags negatively impact life on earth and to encourage businesses and people to shift towards a plastic-free life. 

International Plastic Bag Free Day Significance 

Plastic is one of the biggest contributors to large amounts of waste across the world. The extremely non-biodegradable nature of plastic, especially single use plastic - makes this issue all the more concerning. As of today, microplastics have been found in everything from the fishes and sea-creatures in the oceans to humans - and it is an issue that needs our attention. While various researchers are looking for ways to tackle the plastic pollution that has already been caused, it is important for us to reduce future damages by opting for a plastic free life. 

The observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day is also curtailed as it encourages people to take simple steps towards a more sustainable life. In a time and age where fossil fuel companies are focusing on spending 40 percent of their budgets on creating more plastic, celebrations like these focus on reducing the demand for plastic, thereby reducing the inevitable waste that it leaves behind. 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).