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As Thailand Is Banning Plastic Bags, These 30 People Have Come Up With Awesome And Unusual Alternatives
Pollution sucks. And while you might not think that buying a plastic bag contributes to it that much, it gets out of hand if all 7.5 billion of us do the same.
Thailand kicked off 2020 with a bang. Only it wasn't fireworks that caused it. The country started actively fighting its environmental problems, banning single-use plastic bags at some of the major stores. According to Reuters, it's a continuation of a campaign by the local government and retailers that brings Thailand closer towards a complete ban in 2021 in an attempt to reduce waste and debris in the surrounding areas. And it's brilliant.
What's really cool about it is the way shoppers are adapting to it. They're not whining on social media or anything. On the contrary, they're embracing the changes. Photos of Thais carrying their groceries in T-shirts, suitcases, buckets, and even ceramic pots have been going viral, and they perfectly capture how creative people get when it comes to something they're really passionate about.
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In part, public support for the campaign has been rising due to the increased risk to animals and the environment from such waste. For example, there were several incidents where animals including a deer and a baby dugong were found dead with plastic in their digestive systems last year."
Thailand was ranked sixth among the world’s top countries that dump waste into the sea,” Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-Archa told the media on Wednesday. “During the past five months, we were down to 10th ... thanks to the cooperation of the Thai people."
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The ministry stated that the country reduced the use of plastic bags by 2 billion (about 5,765 tonnes) during the first phase of the campaign last year. Reportedly, it really encouraged consumers to refuse plastic bags voluntarily.
Varawut said the biggest challenge is to get rid of the remaining 40% of plastic bags used at fresh markets and in rural areas, "It’s not going to be easy to change the way of thinking and behavior of those people."
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TheCakeIsAPie 5 years ago
Honestly the best part of this picture is the cashier like dude you gonna check out or...
#7
TheCakeIsAPie 5 years ago
I love it. Sure it is plastic, but it is very sturdy and can last for many years. That vs over a thousand bags, its a no brainer.
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M O'Connell 5 years ago
@glorytherainwing, it's probably for large bulky items which are light in weight. There's no point in using more reed than you really need to.
#19
TheCakeIsAPie 5 years ago
Thats actually for cooking rice (among other things). It may be small but it is durable. (Good if you are a local and pick up a few items every day)
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What do you think ?
lailyfnoor 5 years ago
Why don't use shopping bag? Reusable and can be carried everywhere, even sometimes fashionable
Dippin Dot 5 years ago
I think this post was meant to highlight the more unique solutions to the ban... not just a bunch of people with normal cloth bags that are commonly used everywhere.
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Sterrinatu 5 years ago (edited)
I'll never understand the negativity that comes from articles like this. While I agree this won't change the world but it's a step in the right direction. It surprises me how many people think they can't survive with out a plastic bag for their groceries. This pretty much proves if you take them away entirely people are capable of being creative and finding a way to make it work. I guess you just have to force them to learn to live without.
Helen Haley 5 years ago
Because most of us buy more than a suitcase of food at a time. Stocking up so you don't have to go to the grocery store constantly. Been that way since the advent of the refrigerator. We just can't conceive of a practical way to continue grocery shopping that doesn't make it so odious that we all DREAD grocery shopping. It wasn't a fun chore to begin with.
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lailyfnoor 5 years ago
Why don't use shopping bag? Reusable and can be carried everywhere, even sometimes fashionable
Dippin Dot 5 years ago
I think this post was meant to highlight the more unique solutions to the ban... not just a bunch of people with normal cloth bags that are commonly used everywhere.
Load More Replies... Sterrinatu 5 years ago (edited)
I'll never understand the negativity that comes from articles like this. While I agree this won't change the world but it's a step in the right direction. It surprises me how many people think they can't survive with out a plastic bag for their groceries. This pretty much proves if you take them away entirely people are capable of being creative and finding a way to make it work. I guess you just have to force them to learn to live without.
Helen Haley 5 years ago
Because most of us buy more than a suitcase of food at a time. Stocking up so you don't have to go to the grocery store constantly. Been that way since the advent of the refrigerator. We just can't conceive of a practical way to continue grocery shopping that doesn't make it so odious that we all DREAD grocery shopping. It wasn't a fun chore to begin with.
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