Becoming sustainable is something we all need to apply in our lives. I work in a small retail store and often realize the contamination made by plastic bags. 

Plastic bags were created as a long-lasting and inexpensive alternative to traditional paper bags. 

But people in the earlier 1950s didn't know of the consequences plastic bags were going to have on the atmosphere and pollution.

Over time plastic bag creation led to negative consequences, such as microplastic pollution, carbon footprint and human and wildlife being. 

In addition to the destruction of many ecosystems, humans and animals have been adversely affected by this situation.

Therefore, we need to think differently and make a change. Initially, plastic bags were an ingenious and functional solution to the problem of weak and easily tearing paper bags. 

So can we now think of a functional, ingenious and eco-friendly solution?

Maybe, but there are stills some factors that we should take into account; for example, cloth bags(may sound like an option, but we need a correct procedure that does not emit much carbon dioxide)

However, while we think about an alternative, it is fundamental to raise awareness so we can reduce our plastic bag usage. 

The more common alternatives are:

• bring reusable bags
• shop in bulks
• use alternatives to plastic bags

We can make a difference by changing our habits and reducing our consumption. 

In a capitalist society, it may not sound easy to decrease our waste, but there are many long-lasting and inexpensive alternatives that may not help restore ecosystems or stop global warming but would be the first steps of our society to make a change. 

I compromised myself by reducing my carbon footprint and carrying my eco-bag with me.

And I think we all can do it.

The steps make today, would be the present of tomorrow. 

To use is human; to reduce, is divine.  

Image authors´rights: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/16/style/plastic-how-to-use-less.html