The Plastic Problem: Food Packaging's Environmental Impact

Plastic packaging is a huge problem for the environment. It's estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in 2018, and less than 50% of products in some grocery stores are available in plastic-free packaging. Plastic waste is clogging our landfills, littering our streets, and polluting our parks and oceans at a rate of 8 million tons a year. It's also contaminating our food and water, with microplastics entering our bodies through the plastic packaging found on almost everything in the grocery store.

Plastic packaging is used on Whole Foods' in-house 365 brand products

Whole Foods has attempted to reduce its plastic use, but the report suggests that more action is needed. Plastic food packaging leads to the generation of micro- and nanoplastics when torn open, and increased food processing leads to higher levels of microplastics. Microplastics are also generated by abrasion from food processing equipment and then transferred into the food. Industrial discharge of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into waters contaminates the sludge used to fertilize crops, leading to microplastics in our food.

Whole Foods' 365 brand logo reflects the company's commitment to providing fresh food all year round. The logo features the four seasons, indicating that the products will be fresh, healthy, and ready to consume whenever they are bought. Whole Foods also invests time and energy into its environmentally friendly and health-conscious outlook, which is reflected in its products and packaging.

Whole Foods 365 products are available to buy on Amazon, including plastic wrap.

Plastic waste is polluting our natural environment, including the ocean

The problem of plastic waste is not limited to Whole Foods. A 2018 report by the EPA estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated that year, with plastic packaging accounting for approximately 5.0% of MSW generation. The recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was only 29.1% in 2018, while the recycling of HDPE natural bottles (e.g., milk and water bottles) was estimated at 29.3%.

Plastic food packaging is a significant contributor to the problem of plastic waste. When we tear open plastic packaging, we generate micro- and nanoplastics. Increased food processing also leads to higher levels of microplastics, as they are generated by abrasion from food processing equipment and then transferred into the food. Industrial discharge of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into waters contaminates the sludge used to fertilize crops, leading to microplastics in our food.

The impact of plastic waste on the natural environment, including the ocean, is significant. There are 24 trillion pieces of microplastics in the ocean, and sea animals often ingest plastic. When we consume seafood, we are also consuming the plastics that these creatures have ingested. Researchers estimate that an average person consumes about 53,864 particles of microplastics annually from seafood, which is equivalent to 17 credit cards.

Plastic food packaging leads to the generation of micro- and nanoplastics

Plastic food packaging is a major contributor to the generation of micro- and nanoplastics. When plastic packaging is torn open, it releases micro- and nanoplastics into the environment. This is a significant issue, as these tiny plastic particles can contaminate our food and water supplies.

A recent report by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Environment America Research & Policy Center found that less than 50% of Whole Foods' in-house 365 brand products were available in plastic-free packaging. This is despite the company's efforts to reduce plastic use. The report, entitled *The Whole Foods' Plastic Problem: A survey on single-use packaging at the grocery store*, highlights the prevalence of plastic packaging in the food industry.

The issue of plastic food packaging is not limited to Whole Foods. A 2018 estimate by the EPA found that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in the US alone. This figure does not even include single-service plates and cups or trash bags, which are classified as nondurable goods. The recycling rate of plastic products is also low, with only 29.1% of PET bottles and jars recycled in 2018.

The presence of micro- and nanoplastics in our food and water supplies is a growing concern. Microplastics have been found in almost everything we eat or drink, with some foods having higher levels of contamination than others. For example, researchers estimate that an average person consumes about 53,864 particles of microplastics annually from seafood, equivalent to 17 credit cards.

The impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health and the environment is still not fully understood. However, it is clear that action is needed to reduce plastic waste and the generation of micro- and nanoplastics. This includes reducing the use of plastic food packaging and increasing recycling rates.

Microplastics are also in our food

Plastic packaging is a huge problem. In 2018, the EPA estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated, making up approximately 5% of MSW generation. Less than 50% of Whole Foods' in-house 365 brand products are available in plastic-free packaging.

It is also not surprising that increased food processing leads to higher levels of microplastics because microplastics are generated by abrasion from food processing equipment, and then transferred into the food. More processing also leads to chemical migration. While a lot more needs to be known about how micro- and nanoplastics are affecting human health and the environment, it’s clear that action is needed to reduce plastic waste in society and the natural environment, including the ocean.

Plastic packaging is found on almost everything in the grocery store

The problem is not limited to Whole Foods, as plastic packaging is prevalent in most grocery stores. This includes plastic containers, bags, and wrapping for a wide range of products, from fresh produce to processed foods. The EPA estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in 2018 in the US alone, with plastic packaging accounting for approximately 5% of MSW generation.

Not only does plastic packaging contribute to waste, but it also leads to the generation of micro- and nanoplastics. When plastic packaging is torn open, it releases microplastics into the environment. Additionally, increased food processing can lead to higher levels of microplastics, as they are generated by abrasion from food processing equipment and then transferred into the food. This results in chemical migration, further impacting the quality and safety of the food.

The presence of microplastics in our food is a significant concern. Industrial discharge of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into waters contaminates the sludge used to fertilize crops, leading to microplastics entering our bodies through the food we eat. It is estimated that an average person consumes about 53,864 particles of microplastics annually from seafood, equivalent to 17 credit cards.

Frequently asked questions