12 July: Paper Bag Day

Posted by OV Digital Desk | Jul 12, 2023

Paper Bag Day is observed annually on 12 July. It is aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of using paper bags instead of plastic bags. As we become aware of the dangers of plastic bags, the observation enhances awareness to the public of better alternatives like paper bags. The day is observed on different dates in some countries.

The Theme for World paper bag day 2023 is not announced yet. Last year the theme for Paper Bag Day 2022 is, “If You’re ‘Fantastic’, Do Something ‘Dramatic’ To Cut The ‘Plastic’, Use ‘Paper Bags’.”

Here are quick facts about paper bags and plastic bags

The significance of Paper Bag Day is to discourage the use of plastic bags and generate consciousness about how harmful they are to the environment. This is because it takes thousands of years to decompose. However, paper bags are biodegradable and an important cornerstone to preserving our planet.

Read More: 12 July in Indian and World History

American Francis Wolle invented the first paper bag machine in 1852. A new paper bag manufacturing machine was invented by Margaret E Knight in 1871. A flat-bottomed paper bag could be produced by the machine, which was unique. Knight earned the title ‘Mother of Grocery Bags’ as the machine grew in popularity.

Charles Stillwell invented square-bottomed paper bags with pleated sides in 1883. People liked such bags since they were easy to fold and store. In 1912, Walter Deubener designed a paper bag with a handle. Paper bags have changed and improved over the years. Plastic bags replaced paper bags as a cheaper alternative in the 1970s.

Plastic bags are non-renewable, non-recyclable, and non-biodegradable; some of them are LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). It takes thousands of years for these materials to decompose, so they’re bad for the environment. Therefore, World Paper Bag Day promotes the use of eco-friendly, renewable, recyclable paper bags.

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