Plastic Bags; what are the alternatives?

Since 01^st January 2017 restriction on the importation of plastic carrier bags has been in force. As previously announced the total restriction on the importation, manufacturing and distribution of plastic bags within the Seychelles will become effective as of July this year. Plastic in every possible forms or shapes has made its way into every aspects of daily life. Be it clothing, footwear, cutleries, furniture, office wares, gadgets, we certainly are surrounded by plastic. One of the main issues arising from the use products made up of plastic is the use of plastic carrier bags.

The latter can be seen  almost everywhere and are readily available for mostly all purposes, so much so that it doesn’t hold much value and ends up on the landfill. A study carried out last year concluded that the volume of plastic ending up   Since it is easily attainable as single use carrier bags are given for free or at some retail outlets purchased at a small fee it is easily discarded and are thrown anywhere even at sea. Plastic is posing a massive threat to our environment as most of these plastic bags does not degrade and those that do degrade leave behind toxic residues.
on the landfill in Seychelles is of an alarming rate and continues to increase.

Therefore, we should consider the Best Alternatives to the Plastic bags.

 

For Buyers…

1.       For grocery shopping: Re-useable carrier bags are the most appropriate alternatives here. Nowadays they come in many colors and patterns, some are even foldable.

Tip: Always carry a re-usable carrier bag in your bag or if you planning to shop today make sure you have one at the office. It will be hard at first but soon it will become a habit.

2.       Fresh fish shopping: Traditionally, we buy fresh fish at the ‘bazar’ it can either be at the Victoria Market or in our respective districts. When we do so we can use a re-usable bag and wash it afterwards. Or even so at the fish mongers, once your fish is filleted, a simple paper wrap shall do for the fish which you may then place inside a re-useable bag. 

 

Tip: If you want to use a bag solely for fish shopping; why not purchase one of S4S bag designed for fresh fish shopping. It will be easily distinctive from other re-usable bags for that purpose only at home.

For Sellers…

1.       Snacks: When selling snacks at an outlet, customers have already seen what’s on display, therefore there serves no great purpose for your snacks to still be displayed in a plastic bag once bought, paper bags are great for this purpose.

Tip: Paper bags absorbs oil.

2.      Clothes shopping: There are no reasons why, clothing cannot be packed into nice decorative paper bags once sold, these bags are a great way to promote businesses through printing onto. The Re-useable bags are even better here as they will promote the businesses continuously. This works for any outlets selling small light items.