What is the best packaging for the environment? While materials like glass are superior to plastic – what is the most eco-friendly packaging out there? When half of all municipal solid waste is packaging, eco-friendly and sustainable packaging becomes very, very important.
28 countries have waste minimization laws
According to Ideal Bite, twenty-eight countries have laws to minimize their waste — the US isn’t one of them. In this case, contact your state senator.
Product packaging waste
It seems like products are getting smaller and smaller and the packaging around them either stays the same size or sometimes even grows. In general, if you look around your local supermarket, you can expect to see more plastic than glass. If you look around your local consumer electronics store, you’ll find that you’re practically surrounded by plastic clamshell packaging.
Plastic clamshell packaging isn’t just wasteful – it’s dangerous!
According to a January 2008 Wired Magazine article aptly titled “Why Things Suck: Plastic Packaging,” Brendan I. Koerner explains, “In 2004, nearly 6,500 Americans were admitted to the emergency room with injuries sustained while trying to to Klappblister liberate the memory of a portable CD player, maps, and Bratz dolls.” Why do manufacturers continue to use these obviously dangerous forms of packaging? They’re invested in the technologies they create, and until there’s enough consumer backlash , they have no motivation to to change.
Eco-friendly packaging options
Depending on the type of product in question, many people would be surprised to learn that there are more than a few sustainable options. For food products, glass is far superior to plastic in terms of long-term sustainability. For common clamshell packaging , Koerner suggests using Natralock , which is “an easier-to-tear combination of cardboard and plastic”. With the reduction in plastic usage and the recyclability of paper, it’s easy to see why Natralock is a safer choice than traditional clamshell packaging.
Creating the ultimate sustainable packaging
While many product manufacturers are simply holding out as long as possible to minimize their production costs, some eco-conscious manufacturers are already working to create the ultimate sustainable packaging.
What should I do? You want me to plant my packaging?
Inspired by a drive through the desert, Pangea Organics founder and CEO Joshua Onysko has developed and sold products in packages you can actually plant in your garden. The packaging itself is made from 100% post-consumer newsprint, which you’ll need to soak thoroughly with water before planting – this takes about a minute. After soaking, carefully plant the wrapper about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in soil. After waiting a few weeks, you will be rewarded with either Amaranth or Sweet Basil. This is impressive, eco-friendly packaging.
Packaging and the resulting waste is a serious problem
When half of all municipal solid waste is packaging, it should be clear to everyone that we have a serious problem. As consumers, we can use the dollars we spend each month to support companies that are proactively moving towards more sustainable packaging. Most manufacturers will be slow to move, but just like Pangea Organics, you can expect some forward-thinking leaders to lead the way. Reduce waste and your carbon footprint by supporting these environmental leaders.
