Maya Ellison
Plastic packaging waste is a pressing environmental concern. While packaging plays a crucial role in preserving food and reducing waste, the overuse of plastic has detrimental effects on the planet. To combat this, individuals and companies are adopting strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic packaging. Consumers are increasingly mindful of their plastic usage, opting for reusable bags, buying items with minimal packaging, and supporting zero-waste shops. Companies are also taking initiative by redesigning packaging to reduce plastic weight and increase recyclability, as well as exploring alternative packaging materials. These collective efforts are vital in tackling the environmental challenges posed by plastic packaging waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduce plastic packaging waste at the corporate level | Reduce the weight of plastic packaging |
| Cut down on the use of virgin plastics in packaging | |
| Use alternative packaging materials | |
| Develop collection, sorting, and recycling systems | |
| Increase the use of recycled PET | |
| Reduce plastic packaging waste at the individual level | Avoid buying frozen foods |
| Don't use plasticware at home | |
| Avoid juice in plastic bottles | |
| Cook from raw ingredients | |
| Cut back on unnecessary packaging | |
| Recycle plastic waste | |
| Buy used plastic items | |
| Reuse plastic items | |
| Buy items with minimal packaging | |
| Use cloth napkins and reusable dishes | |
| Use a reusable water bottle |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Reduce
The most effective way to reduce plastic packaging waste is to not create it in the first place. Consumers can reduce their plastic waste by using reusable containers, bottles, bags, dishes, and cutlery instead of disposable ones. For example, bringing a reusable bag to carry purchases and buying items with minimal packaging can help. Additionally, buying drink mixes in bulk and refilling reusable bottles can reduce the waste from disposable drink bottles.
Reuse
Reusing plastic packaging is another way to reduce plastic waste. Instead of discarding unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition, individuals can sell or donate them for others to reuse. Baking goods can be packaged in reusable containers, and items such as toys, containers, and water bottles can be reused or repurposed to prevent plastic waste.
Recycle
Recycling plastic packaging is important to keep it out of the environment and in the economy. Consumers should check with their local recycling programs to find out which types of plastic they accept. Some flexible polyethylene-based plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), are accepted for store drop-off recycling. These plastics can be recycled into synthetic lumber or new plastic films, pouches, or bags. Companies are also working to increase the recycled content in their products, such as Nestlé's goal to increase the use of recycled PET in their bottles to 50% by 2025.
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Refill systems
Major brands, businesses, and retailers must invest in reuse and refill systems instead of single-use packaging. For example, Unilever has been exploring how to bring refill and reuse solutions to consumers worldwide in an effective, convenient, and affordable way. They have launched over 50 pilots across various product categories and formats, including personal care, beauty, laundry, home, hygiene, and food. In Indonesia, they have more than 1,000 refill stations in shops and other retailers, saving more than 6 tonnes of plastic.
Nestlé is also piloting refillable vending machines for its Koko Krunch and Milo cereal brands in Indonesia, which have proven popular. They are committed to getting to 100% recyclable or reusable packaging and have reduced the weight of their plastic packaging by 41% from 2019 to 2024. They have also run over 20 pilots in 12 countries, commercially providing products with refill systems.
On an individual level, consumers can ask their local grocer to take back plastic containers and get them refilled at farmer's markets. They can also look out for "zero-waste" shops offering product refills via home deliveries, such as milk floats, where consumers are shunning plastic in favour of bottled milk. Consumers can also ask supermarkets for refillable product containers and keep an eye out for alternative packaging.
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Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk can be a great way to reduce plastic packaging waste. Firstly, buying in bulk reduces the amount of packaging waste created. It prevents resources from being used to create unnecessary packaging, which often ends up in landfills. Packaging accounts for a large proportion of solid waste, and by buying in bulk, you can minimise the amount of packaging you take home and immediately throw away.
The bulk aisle at your local grocery store is a great place to start. Here, you can find dry goods sold in large containers, allowing you to portion out the exact quantity you want without the need for extensive wrapping. Some stores even offer bulk liquid goods, such as beverages, cleaning products, and toiletries, which you can pump or pour into your own reusable bottles or containers.
When buying in bulk, it is important to plan ahead and understand your product needs for the upcoming weeks or months. This ensures that you only purchase what you will use before it spoils, reducing food waste. Additionally, bringing your own reusable containers or bags when shopping in the bulk aisle can further reduce your environmental impact.
While buying in bulk is a great way to reduce plastic packaging waste, it is important to be mindful of potential challenges. For example, food bought in bulk may spoil if not consumed in time, leading to wasted food. However, with proper planning and storage, this can be minimised.
Overall, buying in bulk is a simple and effective way to reduce your plastic waste, save money, and support local businesses. It empowers you to make environmentally conscious choices by reducing the amount of single-use plastic packaging that ends up in landfills.
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Avoid frozen food
Frozen food has made a comeback in recent years, with one of the contributing factors being a desire to reduce food waste. However, the environmental benefits of purchasing frozen food are negated if the plastic packaging ends up in a landfill. Plastic is the primary packaging material for frozen food as it preserves flavours, increases shelf life, and reduces spoilage.
To reduce plastic packaging waste, it is best to avoid buying frozen foods. Even frozen food packaged in cardboard is coated in a thin layer of plastic. Instead, opt for fresh, affordable, and plastic-free options from your local supermarket's fish counter, local butcher, or farmer's market. Bring your reusable containers to cut out the need for plastic cling film and styrofoam.
You can also look for paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging. While they may not be as durable, they are still an option for certain types of food. For example, cookies in cardboard packets or milk in glass bottles.
Meal planning is another great way to reduce plastic waste. By knowing what you plan to cook and the ingredients you need, you can avoid over-shopping and impulse buys. This reduces both plastic and food waste.
Finally, when you do use plastic packaging, remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Check with your local waste company to ensure you are recycling everything possible.
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Cut back on plastic
When shopping, pay attention to the packaging of the products you buy. Try to buy items with minimal packaging and avoid unnecessary packaging by shopping at scoop shops, greengrocers, delis, farmers' markets, and zero-waste shops. You can also look for alternative packaging systems and product refills, such as milk floats, where consumers are moving away from plastic towards bottled milk. When buying food, consider food in cans or jars as metal and glass can be recycled. Buy chunks of cheese instead of pre-grated or pre-sliced cheese, which usually come in plastic packaging. Similarly, opt for butter in cardboard and foil instead of plastic containers, and choose ice cream in carton containers over plastic ones.
You can also reduce plastic waste by reusing plastic items. For example, use refillable water bottles instead of disposable ones, and buy drink mixes in bulk to fill your reusable bottles. Reuse plastic containers for storing leftovers or buying loose food items like beans or nuts at zero-waste stores. When moving, use bubble wrap containing recycled plastic and be sure to recycle packaging materials afterward.
Another way to cut back on plastic is to avoid certain products that use a lot of plastic packaging. Frozen foods, for instance, usually have plastic packaging, even those that appear to be cardboard. Avoid plastic cutlery and straws, and request that restaurants do not include them in your takeout orders. Make your own cleaning products to eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles, and opt for fresh-squeezed juice or whole fruit instead of juice in plastic bottles.
Finally, you can reduce plastic waste by buying used plastic items and donating or selling unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition.
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Frequently asked questions
When shopping for food, pay extra attention to the packaging of the products you choose to buy. Avoid buying frozen foods as their packaging is mostly plastic. Pick up butter in cardboard and foil, not plastic containers. Choose ice cream in carton containers instead of plastic. Buy food in cans or jars as metal and glass can be recycled. Try shopping at farmers' markets or zero-waste stores, and bring your own containers to fill up with foods like beans or nuts.
Set your table with cloth napkins and reusable dishes, glasses, and silverware as often as possible. Buy items with minimal packaging and package your lunch in reusable containers instead of disposable ones. Bring drinks in a reusable water bottle or thermos instead of disposable bottles or cartons. Buy drink mixes in bulk and fill your reusable bottles.
Avoid plasticware and ask restaurants not to include it in your takeout box. Ask your local grocer to take back any plastic containers (for berries, tomatoes, etc.) and get them refilled at a farmer's market. Make your own cleaning products to eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner.
Recycle as much as possible. Check on the website of your local waste company to be sure that you are recycling everything that can be recycled. Recycle carrier bags, yogurt pots, margarine tubs, and Tetra Pak juice containers. Reuse or repurpose items such as toys, clam shell containers, water bottles, and containers.
