WATCH: This Pinay Launched A Brand That Makes *Free* Reusable Bags Out Of Old Plastic Packaging

Online shopping seems to have really affected most of our lives. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, on some level, we found comfort in visiting all sorts of e-commerce sites, going through the most random items, and clicking that *add to cart* button. Chances are, nabudol na rin kayo by your family and friends at one point. 

Personally, I always look forward to getting that "Your order has been shipped" text message, lol. Iba talaga yung feeling when you receive that package you've been wanting (and waiting) for so long. But when you finally get your hands on that item, now what? I'm sure many of us—if not, all of us—would immediately just throw away the bubble wrap and plastic bag it came in. And I totally get it. Most of the time, I'm guilty of doing the same. But here's the thing: Did you know that the Philippines is one of the world’s worst offenders on marine plastic pollution? According to SEA Circular, 0.28 to 0.75 million tonnes per year of plastic enter the oceans from coastal areas in Manila Bay. (That's a whole LOT of plastic and it's definitely not good for the environment!)

Luckily, there's a social enterprise that came up with an initiative to change all that. Inroducing, JuanBag—a service that aims to reduce single-use plastic by upcycling plastic packaging from online orders and turning them into reusable bags. The best part? It's all free! Here's how it works:

1. Collect and compress your used plastic packaging. Right now, JuanBag accepts plastic from pouches, mailers, bubble wraps, and plastic from e-commerce orders and online businesses.
2. Take a photo of the compressed plastic. 
3. Send JuanBag a private message on Facebook or Instagram. Their team will coordinate and confirm a pickup schedule. 
4. JuanBag will sanitize and sort the plastics after collection. These will be delivered to their partner communities for weaving. 
5. The plastics will be given a *second life* by turning them into reusable bags.

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[instagram:https://ift.tt/3fwAYXq]

According to founder Rachelle Lacanlale, "We want to promote a community where it's all about practicing conscious consumerism. We want to market our Filipino skills, culture, and also uplift the livelihood of Filipinos. It's time [to] rethink and redesign the way we are receiving our online orders."

So the next time you get a package, consider this initiative! Let's all do our part and try to live more environmentally-friendly lifestyles every day. ;)

Watch the video below to know more about how JuanBag can turn your old plastics to a reusable bag.

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Source: Cosmo PH