Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere. It's in our appliances, computers, clothing, and food packaging. But with plastic pollution ravaging wildlife and washing up on beaches, it's clear that we need to find alternatives to this versatile material. Some common alternatives to plastic include paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and biodegradable plant-based bioplastics. While these options may be more sustainable in some ways, they also have their own drawbacks and limitations. For example, paper requires more energy to produce than plastic and has a higher carbon footprint when used for packaging. Metal production is costly and energy-intensive, and bioplastics often require industrial composting facilities to break down, which aren't always accessible. Ultimately, the best alternatives to plastic are reusable and refillable packaging, as well as buying unpackaged goods.
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What You'll Learn
Biodegradable plastics
There are two classes of biodegradable plastics: bioplastics, whose components are derived from renewable raw materials, and plastics made from petrochemicals with biodegradable additives that enhance biodegradation. Bioplastics, also known as plant-based plastics, have been hailed as a green alternative to fossil fuel-based plastic, especially in food packaging. However, not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based.
While biodegradable plastics offer an ideal solution for single- or short-term use applications, they also come with challenges. Many biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting systems, which requires a well-managed waste system. If products made from these plastics are discarded into conventional waste streams such as landfills or find their way into rivers and oceans, they may not break down properly.
Additionally, some biodegradable plastics only break down into smaller pieces like microplastics, which can contaminate other recyclable plastics. To address this issue, researchers have developed processes to make biodegradable plastics truly compostable. For example, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have invented a way for compostable plastics to break down more easily with just heat and water, within a few weeks.
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Reusable alternatives
Reusable coffee cups, for example, are a great alternative to single-use plastic cups. Takeaway boxes can also be reused, with some companies offering incentives such as free onion bhajis for returning plastic takeaway boxes.
Metal is a good alternative to plastic for food and beverage storage. Stainless steel options are tough, easy to clean, and have multiplied in recent years. Metal packaging is impermeable and offers strong physical protection. It is also easily recyclable, with 66% of all metal packaging waste recycled.
Wood from sustainably-managed forests can replace plastic in household items like cleaning brushes, kitchen utensils, and cutting boards. It is a lightweight, durable, and compostable renewable resource.
Natural cloth can replace plastic bags, and sustainable clothing made from organic cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo won't shed plastic fibres when washed.
Glass is another alternative to plastic, as it is easily recycled and doesn't contain chemicals that can leach into food or the body. Glass bottles and jars can be reused for storing leftovers.
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Natural cloth bags
Plastic is everywhere, from our appliances and computers to our clothing and cosmetics. It is a cornerstone of modern technological civilization, known for its durability, flexibility, and imperviousness to corrosion. However, its prevalence has a significant environmental impact, with plastic pollution ravaging wildlife and washing up on beaches.
One alternative to plastic bags is natural cloth bags made from materials like cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo. These sustainable materials do not shed plastic fibers when washed, making them a more eco-friendly option. Cotton, for example, is a natural plant fiber that is relatively eco-friendly and sustainable. However, it is a water-intensive crop, and the process of turning it into fabric has been associated with human rights and labor violations. To mitigate these issues, it is important to source cotton from locations where its growth does not burden the ecosystem and to ensure ethical production practices.
Another option for cloth bags is to use upcycled or second-hand bags, such as backpacks or tote bags, that can be reused multiple times. This reduces the environmental impact of bag production and single-use plastic waste.
While natural cloth bags are a step in the right direction, it is important to remember that the most beneficial action for the environment is to maximize the use of any bag. Reusable packaging and buying unpackaged products are often the least problematic solutions, requiring a shift in our habits and behavior.
Other alternatives to plastic bags include biodegradable plant-based trash bags, which decompose within 3 to 6 months, and beeswax-coated fabric, which is easy to use, clean, and pleasant-smelling. For food storage, glass jars and containers are easily recyclable and do not contain chemicals that can leach into food. Stainless steel is another durable and long-lasting alternative for reusable food and beverage storage.
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Sustainable clothing
As consumers and businesses become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of plastic waste, the demand for sustainable alternatives is rising. The fashion industry, in particular, is under scrutiny, with calls for more sustainable clothing options.
Clothing, like many other products, often contains plastic fibres, which contribute to microplastic pollution when washed. To combat this, consumers can opt for clothing made from natural materials, such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie (Chinese grass), kapok (fruit of the kapok tree), jute, and bamboo. These materials are biodegradable and do not shed plastic microfibres during washing. Additionally, consumers can choose clothing made from tencel, lyocell, and modal, which are man-made fibres derived from vegetal sources, ensuring no microplastics are present in the fibre.
Some brands are already embracing sustainability by placing it at the centre of their business model. Examples include Everlane, Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher, who advocate for investing in longer-lasting items made from sustainable materials, ultimately reducing the overall amount of clothing purchased.
Businesses can also play a pivotal role in reducing plastic waste by adopting eco-friendly materials in their supply chains. For instance, cloth bags made from cotton or hemp are washable, sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic bags, and they can even be custom-branded to serve as marketing tools.
While the shift towards sustainability is promising, it is important to approach it with caution. Not all plastic alternatives are equally beneficial to the environment. For instance, biodegradable single-use plastic bags have been marketed as safe for animals to eat, but studies have shown that they can have similar degradation issues as regular plastic in the guts of sea turtles. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the sustainability of alternatives to ensure they truly contribute to a healthier planet.
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Bioplastics
Mechanical and chemical recycling are often preferred over biodegradation from an environmental standpoint. "Drop-in" bioplastics, such as biopolyethylene, fit into existing recycling streams, while the recycling of biodegradable bioplastics can increase sorting costs and decrease the yield and quality of the recyclate.
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Frequently asked questions
Some alternatives to plastic bags include natural cloth bags, tote bags, grocery bags, and paper bags.
Glass containers, stainless steel lunch boxes, and mason jars are great alternatives to plastic food containers.
Carrying your own reusable cutlery is a great way to avoid using plastic cutlery. Chopsticks are also a good alternative.
Biodegradable algae-based packaging, cardboard, and paper are some alternatives to plastic packaging.
