27
Apr, 2023
Towards a Plastic-Free Future: Strategies for Reducing Plastic in Products and Packaging

Towards a Plastic-Free Future: Strategies for Reducing Plastic in Products and Packaging

Plastic is a ubiquitous material that can be found in a wide range of products and packaging. From water bottles to food containers, plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, the environmental impact of plastic is becoming increasingly apparent. Plastic waste is filling up landfills and oceans, harming wildlife and ecosystems. In addition, the production of plastic contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems.

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of plastic, many are looking for ways to reduce their plastic use. Companies are also taking notice, and many are implementing changes to reduce the amount of plastic in their products and packaging. So, let’s find out more!

Here Are Some Ways That Individuals and Companies Can Reduce Their Use of Plastic:Here Are Some Things to Avoid When Growing Cucumbers:

Here Are Some Ways That Individuals and Companies Can Reduce Their Use of Plastic:Here Are Some Things to Avoid When Growing Cucumbers:

Choose alternative materials: There are many alternative materials to plastic that can be used for products and packaging. For example, glass, metal, paper, and cardboard are all materials that can be used instead of plastic. Many companies are now using these materials in their products and packaging, and consumers can also look for products made from these materials.

Reduce packaging: Many products are over-packaged, with unnecessary plastic wrapping and containers. Companies can reduce the amount of packaging they use, and consumers can choose products with less packaging. For example, buying in bulk can reduce packaging waste.

Use refillable containers: Instead of buying single-use plastic containers, consumers can choose refillable containers for products such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, and food. Many companies now offer refill options for their products, and consumers can also purchase reusable containers to refill at home.

Support companies with sustainable practices: Many companies are making efforts to reduce their environmental impact, including their use of plastic. By supporting these companies, consumers can help drive demand for more sustainable practices in the marketplace.

Properly dispose of plastic: When plastic cannot be avoided, it is important to properly dispose of it. Recycling is one option, but it is important to check local recycling guidelines to ensure that the plastic is being recycled properly. Another option is to properly dispose of plastic waste in a landfill.

Here Are Some Examples of Companies That Are Making Efforts to Reduce Their Use of Plastic in Production and Packaging:

Here Are Some Examples of Companies That Are Making Efforts to Reduce Their Use of Plastic in Production and Packaging:

Unilever: This global consumer goods company has committed to halving its use of virgin plastic by 2025, and has already made progress by introducing reusable and refillable packaging options for many of its products.

Nestlé: This food and beverage company has pledged to make all of its packaging reusable or recyclable by 2025, and has also launched several initiatives to reduce its use of plastic, such as its “Milo” brand using paper straws instead of plastic.

Coca-Cola: This beverage giant has set an objective to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells globally at least by 2030, and has introduced recyclable packaging for some of its products, including its Dasani water bottles.

Patagonia: This outdoor clothing and gear organization has been a leader in sustainability for years and has made significant efforts to reduce its use of plastics, such as switching to recycled polyester in many of its products and using biodegradable packaging.

Adidas: This sportswear brand has committed to use only recycled polyester in all of its products by 2024 and has also introduced a range of sneakers made from recycled plastic waste.

Overall, reducing plastic use in products and packaging is a crucial step in reducing our environmental impact. By choosing alternative materials, reducing packaging, using refillable containers, supporting sustainable companies, and properly disposing of plastic, we can all do our part to create a more sustainable future.

 

Options for Plastic-free Shopping

One of the simplest ways to be more sustainable is to green your home, office, and travel. For example, taking a set of reusable cutlery prevents thousands of plastic forks and knives from ending up in landfills. Imagine the collective impact we could all have with these small changes.
While it hasn’t always been easy to find zero or low garbage stores, some stores help us live a greener, cleaner lives. Even today, when in-store shopping is not possible everywhere, these online stores encourage us to adopt a sustainable lifestyle (starting with plastic-free packaging, of course). In general, the hardest to recycle the plastics are the softest, those that can easily be crumpled in hand, such as food packaging (think of pasta packets or individually wrapped portions of food). Polystyrene is another ubiquitous culprit that is never recycled in the waste stream.

So let’s take the next step in this dynamic of minimal waste and no plastic. Start small, take your time, and develop your good habits one by one.
1. BYO bag

Always take your shopping bags to the supermarket or stores. They don’t have to be made of canvas, the eco-friendly kind if you don’t have one. Even the simple reuse of plastic bags from your kitchen cupboard can help reduce waste.

2. Use a thermos or KeepCup

If you regularly find yourself buying coffee to go, take your clean thermos and avoid adding to the pile of Styrofoam and plastic-coated cardboard waste. Coffee makers generally appreciate not having to buy their cups to dispense and the environmental values being taken care of. Some coffee shops even give you a discount!

3. Avoid individually wrapped products

Don’t buy food in pre-portioned packages. Buy in bulk instead! Instead of buying 15 mini-packs of cookies or potato chips for school lunches, buy a sizeable individual box and put it in portions in containers. Apply this theory to yogurt, blanks, and anything else that can be purchased in larger quantities. Every little bit counts!

4. Don’t buy fruits and vegetables that are wrapped in plastic!

As with bulk packaged foods, avoid buying pre-packaged or pre-weighed fruits and vegetables. You know that bananas packed on foam trays and the like are useless and waste money. Instead, choose bulk bananas and put them directly in the fruit basket or refrigerator when you get home. In fact, why does a banana need more packaging than nature has already provided?

5. Replace the Gladwrap with beeswax wrappers or containers.

Invest in good, airtight storage containers used both in the microwave and in the freezer. It’s a good idea to have several different sized containers for the different types of foods you’ll be storing, as well as snack-sized containers for lunch boxes and for storing liquids, dressings, etc. The phthalates in the plastic film are very harmful to your health, which will benefit you, your friends, and your family.

6. Buy your meat or cheese at the delicatessen and ask to use your container.

Pre-packaged meat and cheese are usually sold in plastic or polystyrene trays, but if you buy directly from the deli, you can bring your container to carry your treats.

7. Have a bottle on hand

Plastic water bottles are one of the most common items in the world. Don’t help perpetuate the market for this ridiculously wasteful product; take your water bottle when you’re on the go. Water comes out of the tap for free, so why the hell pays for it!

8. Refuse the straw! Use your lips.

They may seem small and harmless, but they build up incredibly fast for a night of drinking. If you have to drink through a straw, try using it again overnight. Better yet, invest in a reusable straw, such as the stainless steel or glass straws. We’ve found that stainless steel straws are a little stronger because glass is not the thing.

8
Sep, 2020

6 Habits to Adopt for a More Sustainable Life

Our daily life choices affect the environment, the climate, and other species. From what we choose to consume to our family size, we can do a lot to “choose nature” and help decrease our footprint’s negative impacts and leave room for a more sustainable life.

1) Think Twice Before You Shop

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” may sound archaic, but it’s just as relevant today as it was when the term was coined. Each product we purchase has an enviromental footprint, from the materials we use to make it to the pollution released when the packaging goes to landfill. So before you buy, ask yourself if the product is necessary. If it is, consider buying a used product rather than a new one, and aim for minimal packaging and transportation.

2) Go Plastic Free

Billions of pounds of plastics are now found in the swirling convergences that make up about 40% of the world’s ocean surfaces. Annually, thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals are killed after being entangled in plastic. You can begin reducing your plastic waste by following these simple steps: use reusable bags when shopping, avoid single-use water bottles, bags, and straws, and avoid products made or packaged in plastic as much as possible (for example, choose unpackaged products at the grocery store, shop locally, reduce online shopping).

3) Grow Your Own Products

By growing your own fruits and vegetables, you can ensure that no pesticides or other harmful substances that contribute to water and air pollution are utilized. This will also cut down on the quantity of fossil fuels used to move products to supermarkets.

4) Don’t Waste Water

Avoid drinking bottled water. Bottled water companies try to sell tap water, even if it usually be free. Many city water products have won quality and taste tests compared to branded water. The extraction of water and the manufacturing of all these plastic bottles is a known detriment to communities and wildlife. Conserving water is also vital, primarily because our growing population is placing an increasing demands on the country’s water sources, and we are experiencing more droughts than ever before. You can save water by taking shorter showers, repairing leaky toilets, and choosing low-flow, water-efficient appliances. You can also consider xeriscaping your yard, a landscaping technique that uses native plants adapted to drought conditions, require less water and maintenance over time, and provide habitat and food for birds and bees.

5) Choose to Have a Small Family

Now is the time to talk about the rapid increase in the human population, the species extinction crisis, and the type of future we need for wildlife, the planet, and ourselves. With more than 7.5 billion people globally, and more every day, our need for food, water, land, and fossil fuels drives other species to extinction. Thus, having fewer children would be a wise choice. We can achieve an environmentally sustainable population in a way that promotes human rights; reduce poverty and overpopulation; raise our standard of living; and allow plants, animals, and the protected to thrive.

6) Drive Less

By altering your driving habits, you have the power to lower your carbon footprint. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transit whenever possible. Combine classes to make fewer trips. Participate in car-free days or organize car-free days in your neighbourhood. Keeping your car in good condition through regular tune-ups and tire inflation is also crucial. Regular tune-ups can improve your fuel efficiency by 4-40%, and if people keep their tires inflated, fuel consumption can be reduced by 2% across a country.

By following these simple habits, you can make a big difference!