Bhubaneswar's Green Revolution: Citizens Unite for Plastic Bag Free Day
Community Efforts Ahead of International Plastic Bag Free Day
Bhubaneswar: In anticipation of International Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3, Bhubaneswar is witnessing a surge in citizen-led initiatives. Residents, including students, homemakers, and environmental advocates, are actively promoting eco-friendly alternatives and raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution. The movement is gaining momentum at both individual and community levels.
Gyanaranjan Das, who coordinates the Youth for Seva chapter in Bhubaneswar, emphasized the significance of making mindful daily choices. He stated, “One of the simplest actions we can take is to bring our own bags—whether jute or cloth—when shopping for anything from groceries to clothing. Personally, I always carry my own bags and containers for groceries.” He also mentioned his practice of collecting single-use plastic wrappers and handing them over to municipal cleaners during their rounds. “Our volunteer group regularly engages in activities like planting seed balls in barren areas, cleaning tourist attractions such as Khandagiri and Udayagiri, and educating both locals and visitors,” he added.
Environmental advocate and journalist Akankhya Rout also stressed the importance of conscious consumption. “I choose to support businesses that prioritize sustainable packaging and eco-friendly materials. For instance, I avoid conventional sanitary pads that contain microplastics and opt for alternatives made from bamboo or banana stems,” she explained. She believes that simple actions like using a tote bag, minimizing unnecessary purchases, or avoiding plastic decorations can significantly benefit the environment.
From the academic sector, Pratibha Biswal, a PhD scholar at Rama Devi Women’s University, highlighted the importance of community education. “I collaborate with an NGO to conduct awareness sessions for students in government schools about the detrimental effects of plastic,” she shared. “I always carry a cloth bag and try to refrain from ordering food that generates plastic waste.” Meghamukta Mohanty from the Odia Department at RD Women’s University added, “I consistently use cotton or jute bags while shopping and encourage my students to do the same. At home, I prefer steel or glass containers over plastic.”
Even homemakers are making a significant impact. Sunita Rout, a resident of Bhubaneswar, shared her effective practices: “As a homemaker, I have completely eliminated plastic bags from my household. I store groceries in steel containers instead of plastic boxes and use steel lunch boxes for my children. It’s rewarding to know that these small changes contribute to protecting our environment and marine life.”
On a global scale, approximately 5 trillion plastic bags are produced annually, with nearly 1 million being used every minute. A typical plastic bag is utilized for just 25 minutes but can persist in the environment for 100 to 500 years. The impact on marine ecosystems is devastating, with plastic bags causing the deaths of around 100,000 marine animals each year, according to a UN Environment report.