Paper Bag Day (also known as World Paper Bag Day) occurs on July 12 each year and celebrates the humble paper bag, which does so much more than carrying our groceries. Today, millions of people choose to switch to paper bags for carrying their shopping, as the widespread use of plastic and its harmful effects on the environment at large, raises alarm bells in our collective consciousness. So how do paper bags aid us in the fight against environmental pollution and climate change? Firstly, paper is biodegradable, which immediately makes it a preferable alternative to plastic, which isn’t. Paper bags are also made of renewable raw materials, which encourage a sustainable lifestyle, as they can be recycled. This gives our environment a bit of a break too. Surprisingly, paper bags can be quite durable, too (except when soggy), and they now have a more upmarket aesthetic appeal thanks to high-end brands popularizing minimal and sustainable packaging. So really, what isn’t to love about paper bags!
Gruntled Workers Day
Gruntled Workers Day falls on July 13 this year and, contrary to what the word might convey, it was founded to celebrate all that is positive about one’s work or job. If Friday nights are your night to get together with pals or co-workers, go to a bar, and vent about your job, Gruntled Workers Day is for you, as it can spur you on to reflect on your work and make meaning out of it for yourself. If there’s absolutely nothing to like, why not take a bold step and change something? In a world with growing dissent and job dissatisfaction, Gruntled Workers Day can serve as a powerful reminder that all work has meaning and purpose to it, and so much of the fulfillment we can find in our work is actually a choice! Not only can we see our work in a more positive light, but we can also spread that positivity by appreciating the work or services of any other worker or service provider. A simple ‘thank you’ for something specific, and ‘have a nice day’ can go a long way in making someone’s day.
National Personal Chef Day
Always ready to save the day by making warm homemade meals, personal chefs are celebrated on National Personal Chef Day on July 16. The day is commemorated to honor the relentless hard work and efforts of personal chefs that can range from standing for long hours every day to going shopping for ingredients to taking care of special cravings and/or dietary restrictions.