Reducing plastic bag usage

[Susana]

Here is an example of a basic tote bag which can be easily made. I'm sure you have them in the UK, but by a different name. I've chosen a sewing pattern. I would choose the boxed bottom.

https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015...easiest-totes/

[Susana]

I think this origami bag would be popular in Thailand, made with sarong fabric. In fact I have a stack of sarongs and now I'm feeling inspired.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/324540716878527276/

[Khun Don]

Yes we have them-sometimes they are given away free with advertising on.

[Susana]

What do you call them?

[Khun Don]

"Bag for life"

[Susana]

I like that! We've always called them tote bags, or totes, as long as I remember.

The humane society was sending them to people a few years ago in hope of getting a donation. I don't know if they still do that, but yes I sent a donation. Now I wonder if it was worthwhile for them. Seems rather risky to me.

Trader Joe's grocers gave one free with purchase when they opened a new store, so I got one there, and have a few from other places as well.

The store where I usually shop deducts a few cents for each bag brought in. It's a nice token.

[Khun Don]

Managed to get 2 really heavy duty ones for free ( I did offer to pay!) from a travel company called -"Travelbag"! , One from a bus company promoting a new type of bus -with a free bottle of water, and, a few years ago, the local authority would give you one for free if you gave them a plastic carrier bag-these were thin and not very good quality and fell to bits after several washes.

These are all ideas the Thais could think about adopting.

[Bahtman]

Here is an example of a basic tote bag which can be easily made. I'm sure you have them in the UK, but by a different name. I've chosen a sewing pattern. I would choose the boxed bottom.

https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015...easiest-totes/

Thanks for taking the time to post the links. I must be pretty ignorant on these things as a guy. I thought it was just called a shopping bag with handles!

[Bahtman]

Managed to get 2 really heavy duty ones for free ( I did offer to pay!) from a travel company called -"Travelbag"! , One from a bus company promoting a new type of bus -with a free bottle of water, and, a few years ago, the local authority would give you one for free if you gave them a plastic carrier bag-these were thin and not very good quality and fell to bits after several washes.

These are all ideas the Thais could think about adopting.

Exactly! Maybe a sturdier version would be more suitable.

That's why I was keen to find out if there are any groups trying to promote these ideas, as well as to educate Thais (kids and adults) about the enormous harm plastic is causing the environment.
I still keep searching the internet. So far, under Thailand I can only find companies manufacturing plastic bags, or academics who have published reports on environmental impact, etc.

Thanks to everyone who has replied.

[Tim]

I wonder if anyone is aware of any campaign that encourages people in Thailand to change their habits by the use of reusable bags and discouraging the extremely high plastic bag consumption here?

I've no idea, really. But they have had at least one billboard. I took this picture in Surin about a year and a half ago.

The Thai writing says:
"Less plastic bags, less global warming."
"Let's join forces to form a discipline to lower the use of plastic bags."