Shopkeeper's fight against plastic bags

Fazal Rabbi sets a small but meaningful example by banning plastic shopping bags

BAJAUR:

In the rugged mountainous tribal district of Bajaur, where environmental awareness remains limited and plastic bags are still widely used, a small shop has quietly become a symbol of resistance against climate change and environmental pollution.

Fazal Rabbi, a local shopkeeper, has taken an unusual step by completely banning plastic shopping bags from his store, despite the fact that most other traders in the area continue to rely on them.

Explaining his decision, Fazal Rabbi says plastic bags pose a serious threat to the environment. "Plastic pollutes land and water and does not decompose. It remains in the environment for centuries, causing long-term damage," he explains. For him, the decision was not about convenience or profit, but about responsibility.

The response from customers, he says, has largely been encouraging. "Most people, especially the younger generation, are aware of environmental issues and have supported this initiative," he notes. While some customers initially resisted the change, their attitude shifted once the environmental impact of plastic was explained to them. To ease the transition, the shop encourages customers to bring their own reusable bags and also offers durable, reusable alternatives for sale.

Implementing the ban was not without challenges. Fazal Rabbi admits that convincing customers was the biggest hurdle. "People were not used to this change and needed time to adapt," he says. To address this, he trained his staff to educate customers about environmental harm and gently encourage eco-friendly habits.

Fazal Rabbi views his effort as a modest contribution toward environmental protection but hopes it will inspire others. "It may be a small step, but I believe it can motivate other shopkeepers to follow," he says.

Balancing business interests with environmental responsibility is not easy, he admits, but he believes it is necessary. His advice to fellow traders is simple: start small. "Reduce plastic use, adopt reusable items, and make better choices, for your business, your customers, and the environment," he says. In a region where such initiatives are rare, one shopkeeper's resolve stands as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single, determined individual.