Chloe Zhang
With homelessness and pollution on the rise, companies are looking for ways to address the plastic and housing crisis. One solution is to build homes using recycled plastic. However, while shipping containers may seem like a sustainable construction material, they are not always environmentally friendly. Architect Mark Hogan suggests that it is better to recycle containers into steel and then build with steel studs. This article will explore the reasons why shipping containers made out of recycled plastics may not be the best solution to the housing crisis.
Characteristics and values of using recycled plastics for building shipping containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Recycled containers are cheaper than new containers, but the difference is not significant for a large structure. |
| Sustainability | Using recycled materials is more sustainable than new materials, but the energy costs of running a building made from recycled shipping containers may be high. |
| Aesthetics | Recycled containers may be chosen for their hip, dilapidated look. |
| Safety | Recycled containers may be fire-resistant. |
| Functionality | Recycled containers are customisable, stackable, and collapsible, and can be made with food-safe materials. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers are not always environmentally friendly
The production of single-use plastic emits vast amounts of greenhouse gases. It is estimated that the extraction of fossil fuels and their transportation to plastic factories emits 1.5 to 12.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. The refinement of plastics emits an additional 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually. Landfills, where single-use plastics are sent, account for more than 15% of methane emissions. The disposal of more plastics in landfills leads to increases in landfill size and emissions.
Reusable plastic containers are not always a better option. New research shows that reusable containers could have a higher carbon footprint overall. A reusable container would need to be reused between 16 and 208 times to match the environmental impact of a single-use Styrofoam container. This is due to the electricity required to heat the water for washing them, which emits substances like heavy metals in electricity generation, toxic to many land-based organisms.
Furthermore, the practice of exporting plastic waste to other countries for recycling is not always environmentally beneficial. While it allows industrialized countries to count plastic waste as "recycled," the receiving countries may not have the infrastructure to manage it safely. Informal processing in these countries involves washing and melting the plastic, using a lot of water and energy, and producing smoke and chemical residues. The untreated water and chemical residues are discharged into waterways, and the unusable plastic is burned, creating air quality issues and releasing harmful pollutants.
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Plastic containers are not always aesthetically pleasing
Plastic containers are often not aesthetically pleasing. While aesthetics are subjective, many people prefer natural materials such as wood, straw, cloth, or woven baskets for storage. Plastic containers are typically associated with bright and colourful designs aimed at children. For those seeking a more sophisticated look, the options are limited. Some clear acrylic bins are available, but these do not conceal their contents, which may be undesirable for some.
Some companies have recognised this gap in the market and are now offering aesthetically pleasing alternatives to plastic. For example, Caraway sells ceramic-coated glass food storage containers in six colours with transparent lids. These containers are also available in various sizes and are safe for use in dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, and freezers. U-Konserve offers a similar product, with a range of stainless steel containers with platinum silicone lids in various shapes and sizes. These containers are also leak-proof and flexible, making them ideal for meal prep.
While these alternatives may be more visually appealing than plastic, they also come with other benefits. Plastic containers have been found to leach harmful chemicals into food, especially when heated. These chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, can cause a wide range of health issues. Non-plastic containers, on the other hand, are free from these toxic substances, providing a healthier option for consumers.
In addition to health concerns, plastic containers also contribute to global heating, pollution, and the presence of microplastics in the environment. With only 9% of plastic waste ever recycled, the environmental impact of plastic containers is significant. By choosing non-plastic alternatives, consumers can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Overall, while plastic containers may be practical, they often fall short in terms of aesthetics. With the growing awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with plastic, consumers are increasingly seeking aesthetically pleasing and sustainable alternatives for their storage needs.
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Plastic containers are not always affordable
Additionally, the manufacturing process for plastic containers can be costly. The creation of plastic containers often involves injection molding, blow molding, or other specialized techniques that require expensive machinery and tools. The high upfront investment in molding equipment can lead to higher prices for the final product. Furthermore, the design and development phase of creating a new plastic container can be intricate and time-consuming, adding to the overall expense.
Another factor that contributes to the cost of plastic containers is their durability and specialized features. Some containers are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, impacts, or specific storage requirements. For example, containers used for shipping or industrial purposes need to be sturdy enough to protect their contents during transport and storage. This added durability and specialized functionality drive up the production cost, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
It's worth noting that the intended use case also plays a role in the affordability of plastic containers. Containers designed for specific industries or applications, such as food-grade containers for the culinary industry or containers with customized shapes and sizes, tend to be more expensive due to lower production volumes and specialized features. On the other hand, general-purpose containers produced in high quantities can be more affordable, as the economies of scale drive down the per-unit cost.
Lastly, the logistics and distribution of plastic containers can impact their affordability. Shipping and transportation costs can add a significant markup to the final price, especially for bulkier items. Additionally, the availability of alternative materials, such as recycled cardboard or reusable fabric containers, can provide more affordable options for consumers, driving down the demand for plastic containers and potentially affecting their pricing.
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Plastic containers are not always safe
Secondly, heat and plastic do not mix well. Heating plastic can break chemical bonds, potentially increasing the rate of chemical migration into food or beverages. This means that using plastic containers in microwaves or dishwashers, or even leaving water bottles in the sun, can pose health risks. While some containers are labelled "safe" for these uses, the lack of comprehensive testing and transparency makes it difficult to verify their safety.
Thirdly, plastic waste is a significant environmental concern. Only 9% of all plastic waste has ever been recycled, and the improper disposal of plastic contributes to global heating, pollution, and the contamination of our oceans and ecosystems. Plastic waste is often exported to countries with poor waste management practices, leading to further environmental degradation and hazardous working conditions.
Lastly, not all plastic containers are created equal. Some are designed for single-use only, and reusing them can be harmful. It is important to follow guidelines and use containers specifically designed for storing or reheating meals. Additionally, proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial, as worn or damaged containers can become breeding grounds for pathogens.
In conclusion, while plastic containers may offer convenience, they also come with potential health and environmental risks. It is essential to be cautious and prioritize the use of food-grade, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe containers to minimize these risks.
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Plastic containers are not always reusable
Reusing plastic containers that are not designed for repeated use can have detrimental health effects. For example, these containers can release harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, styrene, and antimony when heated, frozen, or put in the dishwasher. These chemicals can contaminate food and drinks, leading to hormonal issues, organ damage, and even cancer. The risks associated with reusing single-use plastic containers are significant enough to warrant global concern and action.
Some companies are taking initiatives to reduce plastic waste, such as experimenting with reusable or compostable designs. However, much more needs to be done to address the issue effectively. Policies, government frameworks, and international treaties play a crucial role in reducing plastic production and waste, increasing corporate responsibility, and encouraging sustainable alternatives. For instance, the National Sword policy implemented by China in 2018 restricted the import of waste to protect their environment and develop their domestic recycling capacity.
Despite these efforts, there are still significant challenges in managing plastic waste effectively. Many countries, particularly those with poor waste management infrastructure, struggle to safely process and recycle plastic waste. This often results in the mismanagement of waste, leading to plastic pollution in oceans and waterways. The lack of a global standard for classifying countries' waste management capabilities further exacerbates the issue, allowing the export of plastic waste to continue unchecked.
To promote the reuse of shipping containers, companies can consider specific factors that facilitate reuse, such as short travel distances, frequent deliveries, a small number of parties involved in production, and the use of dedicated shipping vehicles. However, obstacles such as large initial investments, return trip fees, storage space limitations, and coordination between distributors, suppliers, and customers, can hinder the widespread adoption of container reuse.
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Frequently asked questions
Building shipping containers out of recycled plastics is a feasible idea, and companies like Conceptos Plásticos and Othalo are pioneers in this movement. Conceptos Plásticos recycles plastic and rubber waste into construction materials, which are then used to build homes for those in need. Othalo, a Norwegian startup, builds affordable, eco-friendly, and fire-resistant homes made entirely of recycled plastic.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using heavily used shipping containers for construction, as they may not be aesthetically pleasing to some and can result in high energy bills.
Using recycled plastics for shipping containers can help reduce a company's impact on the environment and save money at the same time. Reusing plastic containers for shipping and storage reduces the demand for natural resources like wood and decreases the shipping industry's overall energy consumption. Plastic containers are also generally cheaper than other shipping materials, and they are waterproof and protect goods from damage during transportation.
Some challenges to reusing and recycling plastic containers for shipping include the large initial investment required, fees for the return trip, lack of adequate storage space for empty containers, and difficulties in coordinating with distributors, suppliers, and customers.
