World Paper Bag Day: Know the origin and significance

World Paper Bag Day is celebrated to raise awareness of plastic pollution and promote the adoption of eco-friendly substitutes every year on July 12. Paper bags are easily recycled, so utilising them will help minimise the amount of plastic waste that pollutes the environment because it takes so long to degrade.

The Global Paper Bag Day has grown into a significant occasion that encourages us to embrace a sustainable lifestyle as the world begins to recognise the reality of environmental degradation and climate change.

Brief history of paper bags

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Paper bags have a long history that dates back to the 19th century. The first paper bag machine was created and patented by American inventor Francis Wolle in 1852. In 1971, over 20 years later, Margaret E. Knight created a machine that could create boxy paper bags with a flat bottom. Knight earned the moniker “the mother of the grocery bag” over time.

Charles Stillwell modified the paper bag with pleated sides in 1883. In 1912, Walter and Lydia Deubener added strings in a continuous loop to the typical paper sack to produce the first handled paper shopping bag. The Deubeners became a full-time manufacturer of shopping bags and received a patent for their creation.

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Significance

To promote efficient and environmentally friendly packaging, millions of firms switched to paper bags. Their use has given shopping an aesthetic component. World Paper Bag Day should be observed because it helps spread awareness of the environment, the dangers of plastic consumption, and pollution.

How should World Paper Bag Day be observed?

Paper bags not only require less energy to produce and are completely recyclable. Paper bags are also fairly durable and have a capacity of 10 to 14 items. They are secure for pets.

Children are urged to use paper bags on this day and are taught in schools about the damaging impacts of plastics on the environment. Paper bags can be used to gather the groceries by person who purchased them.