A busy day at Gelephu Bounty Market highlights a growing concern, heavy use of plastic bags. But a new initiative promoting biodegradable jute bags is expected to gradually change habits and support Gelephu’s vision of a cleaner, eco-friendly city.
It is a typical busy morning at the Gelephu Bounty Market. Vendors call out to customers, fresh vegetables change hands, and shoppers move from stall to stall filling their baskets.
But alongside the vibrant trade, one common sight stands out, plastic bags. Almost every customer leaves the market with vegetables and fruits packed in plastic, while only a few carry their own reusable bags.
However, change may be on the way. During an awareness initiative held yesterday, vegetable vendors and customers at the market were introduced to biodegradable, eco-friendly bags made from jute. As part of the effort, the bags will now be made available every Sunday, encouraging both vendors and buyers to shift away from plastic.
Chimi Wangmo, a jute bag seller said, “Today we use a lot of plastic to buy vegetables and fruits. Instead, it is better to have one big bag to carry everything together. We received a very good response today, with many vendors and customers buying the bags.”
Recognising the importance of reducing plastic use, most vegetable vendors supported the initiative and bought the eco-friendly bags during the launch.
Loday Jamtsho, the Chairman of Gelephu Vegetable Group said, “This initiative will be very helpful as it reduces the need to import and use plastic bags. We fully support the programme, and it will also help address the growing problem of plastic waste in the environment.”
Zongkey, a vegetable vendor in Gelephu said, “It is important for all of us to be mindful about plastic use. People should bring their own bags when coming to the market. For those who don’t have one, we will now provide these eco-friendly bags.”
As part of the initiative, vendors were supplied with jute bags at wholesale rates and encouraged to sell them at the market. The private company behind the production is already making bags in different sizes, including options for carrying lunch boxes and water bottles, and is exploring designs for meat and other items.
With growing public support and regular promotion at the market, the shift to jute bags could mark a turning point in reducing plastic waste in Gelephu. The initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, reinforcing efforts to build a regenerative and environmentally sustainable urban future.
Passang Dorji
