Alai launches reuse market to promote sustainability

The group Alai has launched a used-products market at Asadgate in Dhaka to promote environmental protection.

Guided by the motto, “Old does not mean trash, do not buy on impulse,” the event is being held on the ninth floor of Tanim Center, located next to the Asadgate footover bridge on Mirpur Road.

The market will remain open until 17 August, with daily hours from 11 am to 8 pm. Alai frequently organizes various activities to raise awareness and ensure the protection of life and nature, and they consider “reuse” a vital part of those efforts.

According to the organizers, the objective of this initiative is to question frantic consumerism, discourage the short-term use of goods, and ensure the maximum utilization of products manufactured using natural resources.

The event also aims to discourage the unnecessary purchase of new products. While conventional perspectives often measure eco-friendliness based only on whether a product is biodegradable, the organizers emphasize that consumers often fail to consider the water and electricity consumed, the carbon emissions generated, and the pollution of soil, water, and air caused during the production of any item.

The “Reuse Market” brings these critical issues to the forefront and calls on everyone to be responsible consumers. To uphold these values, the market will not provide any single-use plastic bags, tissue bags, or paper bags for carrying items.

Buyers are requested to bring their own bags, though they may also purchase bags made from jute or scrap cloth at the market if they choose.