Plastic and plastic products are the key elements of our daily lives as they are durable, lightweight, and convenient to carry everywhere but the threats that plastic has on our planet are much bigger than our convenience. Burning plastic leads to heavy exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogenic substances that increase the risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer and respiratory disorders.
Another major threat is that plastic is non-biodegradable so they choke water bodies like rivers, and oceans causing floods, and polluting land, soil, water, and air. Plastic poses a threat both to human and marine life.
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While most organizations and consumers have understood the plastic hazards and looking for various alternatives to single-use plastic, it is still difficult to stop common people from using single-use plastic.
However, with the strict single-use plastic ban imposed in India recently, there is a huge demand for sustainable eco-friendly, and “green” alternatives to help reduce the production and use of single-use plastics. One of the incredible eco-friendly options is water hyacinth bags that are sustainable while also offering a trendy look.
What is water hyacinth?
Water hyacinth, scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes Mart, is an aquatic weed plant that is found most commonly in waterbodies across South Asia, including the northeastern states of India.
This species is not indigenous but it was introduced to India as an ornamental aquatic plant during the British era that was brought from South America. It produces lovely purple flowers with high aesthetic values. This floating aquatic plant contains a lot of fibre that is used for making bags and acts as an excellent alternative to plastic. They can also be used for making biodegradable plastic since the plant contains a high carbohydrate content. Innovative artisans from all over the world including different north-eastern regions in India make water hyacinth bags in varieties of colours and styles. An additional preference for leather in making water hyacinth bags makes them an excellent fashionable choice and is sold by major outlets.
How is water hyacinth suffocating freshwater bodies?
Water hyacinth is one of the fastest growing aquatic plants grown in abundance in tropical and subtropical regions. However, despite its attractive appearance, it is an obnoxious weed that has been choking the surface of freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, rivulets, dams, and bogs.
The plant is a huge producer of vegetable matter with the ability to choke any closed water body at a surprising rate. This cuts off sunlight and also reduces the oxygen level in the water body making it unsuitable for commercial purposes like fishery, transportation, and recreational activities. It also puts a burden on aquatic organisms as the quality of water is affected. It has been destroying the local aquatic system in many countries all across the globe.
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How is it used for making bags?
Water hyacinth smells like leather and has a soft feel which makes it an ideal choice for making bags. Tropical countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and India are making use of this nuisance plant for making beautiful bags, baskets, and other home décor items.
In Vietnam where boating is one of the important means of transportation, these plants are considered a nuisance. They grow in abundance that the boats are unable to go down the riverways. Water hyacinths float on the rivers and are so thick that the water beneath cannot be seen.
Therefore, cutting the water hyacinth plant and using it for some productive cause was a brilliant idea that also helped to clear the waterways. They are now used as a good alternative to plastic as well as an opportunity for the stubborn weed to be turned into a source of income for many start-ups and small entrepreneurs.
The stems of 24 to 30 inches are picked that are first cleaned and dried in the sun for seven to eight days before use. After drying, the stems are flattened and prepared for weaving. For making non-framed products like bags, the stems are braided and stitched for a desirable shape. Natural dyes are used for colouring the stems.
Water hyacinth bags made by Indian artisans
Various artisans from north-eastern states in India like Assam make uniquely designed water hyacinth bags. It has helped rural artisans, especially women to generate a good source of income. Since the raw material, water hyacinth is free and in abundance in India, artisans have very little to invest.
With the help of some young designers who were inspired by the natural thickness, durability, and texture of water hyacinth fibre, the rural artisans got a backup for creating handmade bags, fashion accessories, cup holders, placemats, floor mats, coasters, and much more items.
With good demand from domestic as well as international buyers, water hyacinth bags are spreading their wings to other parts of the world. The body of the bag is made by combining water hyacinth and cotton while the strap is made of nylon strings and wooden beads.
The bags provide good space that makes them an excellent addition to the wardrobe and a treasure for individuals who appreciate craft work. It is also a durable fashion accessory with a contemporary design for taking care of your daily needs as plastic did. The best thing is that these bags can be washed and reused for a longer time.
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Water hyacinth plastic bags
Most of us are not aware that even plastic bags can be made from water hyacinths that are biodegradable and sustainable. During monsoons, the rivers in tropical and subtropical regions are full of water hyacinths. They are used for transforming into something that people can use for their everyday needs like plastic bags made of water hyacinth.
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Recycling water hyacinths into plastic bags are used for protecting the environment since they fit in perfectly for the “go-green” initiative. It also lessened the pollution and clogging in rivers that were caused due to water hyacinth.
It is an amazing fact how this destructive weed is used for making such an eco-friendly option to plastic. The de-weeding has not only kept the rivers and ponds alive with fish but has also transformed the lives of many artisans by generating good income for them. To top it all, it is a highly beneficial alternative to single-use plastic.
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