MUSCAT: As the ban on single-use plastic bags comes into effect from January 1, 2021 in Oman, the move is being lauded by environmentalists.

However, some observes have asked for an alternative option to plastic bags. Environment Authority has urged the people to use the multi-use bags which are now available in shops. “The multi-use are environmentally friendly bags and are made from several materials such as cloth, paper and other organic materials. They are also available in commercial stores,” Environment Authority (EA) said in a statement.

According to EA, environment friendly bags can be used 100 times “because they are not less than 50 microns thick. Whereas, plastic shopping bags are single use only and need more than 1000 years to degrade,” EA said.