REUSABLE BAGS BEING OFFERED BY SUPERMARKETS
A reusable shopping bag is a type of shopping bag which can be reused many times, in contrast to single-use paper or plastic shopping bags. They are alternatives to single-use plastic bags, and are more sustainable and eco-friendly. The reusable bags offered by supermarkets in Abu Dhabi include:
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Jute bags: These are made of jute material, a natural vegetable fibre extracted from the outer stem and skin of the plant. Jute is an incredibly versatile material which also makes up hessian cloth. It is most commonly used for making durable items such as eco-friendly bags. At Lulu Hypermarkets, a jute bag costs Dh7.50.
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Biodegradable bags: These are bags that are capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. Living things, like fungi or bacteria, can break them down. Biodegradable bags are made from plantbased materials like corn and wheat starch rather than petroleum. They are available at supermarkets for Dh2.50.
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Newspaper bags: These recyclable paper bags are made using different papers, including scrap newspapers. Some companies make these paper bags by reinforcing two layers of the paper with a lining of banana fibre or stitching thread using a resin derived from corn starch. As sheets of newspapers are porous in nature, it absorbs the resin better making the bag leak-proof to a large extent.
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Recycled paper bags: These paper bags are made from used paper which is reprocessed for different purposes. According to data from paperbag.org, in Europe, an average paper bag is reused or recycled 3.5 times before being completely discarded.
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Cloth bags: These cloth bags are made from 100 per cent cotton, antibacterial and recyclable materials. Cloth bags can be used for many years. Lulu Hypermarkets will soon offer these cloth bags for Dh1 each.
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Starch-based bags: These are fully biodegradable clear or white carrier bags made from compostable materials — including renewable, natural starches — for a reduced environmental impact. These quality carrier bags have an integral punch handle and are strong enough to help shoppers carry many items.