Sustainability Conundrum
The sustainability conundrum has posed a challenge for society for several decades now. Choosing sustainable products and making the right decisions is not as easy as it may seem. But mankind must be wise when it comes to making decisions, and acknowledge that plastic pollution is a major global crisis. Plastic is not biodegradable, meaning that it does not decompose as easily as other common materials. Typically, plastic items such as plastic bags, can take up to 1000 years to decompose in landfills. This means that, unless recycled properly, plastic items that are thrown away either end up in overcrowded landfills or floating around in the ocean for decades. According to plasticoceans.org, an estimated 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually. About one trillion single-use plastic bags are used annually worldwide, and more than half a billion plastic straws are used per day. Given all these statistics, one cannot help but wonder if we can completely stop using plastics, and switch to alternatives. Will it be better for the environment if consumers and companies began to invest more in alternatives such as paper, glass, and bamboo?
When lining up at a grocery store, one is likely to wonder whether to choose the paper or plastic bag offered to carry their goods. Which one is actually better? Sure, carrying a plastic bag may be more convenient in the short term — it is more durable and less likely to rip. But this plastic bag will be responsible for numerous inconveniences in the environment for thousands of years to come. It may clog the already overcrowded landfills, choke the oceans and disrupt marine life, and contribute to the overall deterioration of the health of the planet. Would you really want to be responsible for such an inconvenience? If not, then you may begin to consider paper bags. They are biodegradable, which means that within 2–6 weeks, they will have completely decomposed. Paper is also created from a renewable natural resource and can be repeatedly recycled for reuse. On the other hand, according to the BBC, the manufacturing of paper bags takes 4 times as much energy as the manufacturing of plastic bags. Paper bags also weigh more than plastic, meaning that their transportation requires more energy. They are also less durable than plastic bags when it comes to carrying your groceries.
After analyzing these pros and cons, it seems difficult to conclusively state whether you should choose a paper bag over the plastic bag at the grocery store. This is when it is important to consider that paper and plastic are not the only two options available. There are various other materials that can be used, but it is to consider their downsides as well. An example of another material is bamboo. Bamboo plants require less water, produce more oxygen, and remove more carbon dioxide from the air, making it one of the most sustainable and renewable sources of plant-based material. Bamboo from ethical plantations are a great replacement for plastic, and its popularity has been growing rapidly due to increased awareness of its environmental benefits. There are several bamboo products that have already been replacing plastic products. These include bamboo trays, cutlery, straws, toothbrushes etc. Despite these new and innovative products, the biggest downsides to bamboo materials is that it is pricier and that the range of products is limited. It wouldn’t be too common to carry your groceries in a bag made out of bamboo, for example.
Just as it may be difficult for consumers to make well-informed decisions about which material to use, it is also difficult for producers to make decisions as whether or not to use plastic, paper, bamboo or even alternatives such as metal and rubber in their manufacturing. It is not always easy for big businesses to switch to eco-friendly packaging, especially when their priority is to mass-produce all over the world. Making a wholesale packaging switch in large-scale companies such as Amazon, may also be an extremely long and difficult process. Moreover, sustainable packaging materials are harder to source than the typical plastic and cardboard wrappings. Large companies need to find a producer who can efficientally produce sustainable packaging that can carry all the items on the site. These alternatives may also be less cost-effective, making them less appealing for large and small scale companies alike.
Despite these drawbacks, it is important to note that the environmental impact of switching to sustainable packaging, is undeniable. Large companies have the ability to spark change, and partnering with corporations that use sustainable replacements for traditional materials, will be very beneficial. For small companies, though these methods may seem costly at first, the pros tend to outweigh the cons in the long term. Sustainable methods will also help eliminate waste of all kinds, which is something that companies invest a lot of money into. There are several examples of companies that have already started to implement changes in their manufacturing processes. Amazon, for example, started its “Frustration-Free Packaging Program,” several years ago, to try and use smaller and more efficient packages. Moreover, in 2010, Puma eliminated shoeboxes, and replaced them with slip on bags which reduce the consumption of paper and fuel. The Dell company is famous for using bamboo, fungus and other agricultural waste products in their packaging. The company has also made a commitment to use 100% compostable or recyclable materials by 2020. These changes are very impressive, and have helped these companies cut down costs, and reduce their consumption of plastic products. They are helping initiate a positive impact on the environment.
As people become more and more aware of the consequences of unsustainable packaging, consumers will start to demand and invest more money into companies that promote sustainability. Consumers essentially run the market, so it is important to note that our voices and our concerns can spark positive sustainable changes. Let us demand for more sustainable packaging by voicing our opinions online and offline. If enough people stand up for an issue, big companies and retail giants will notice and implement changes. But the problem doesn’t end there. It is also up to us consumers, to educate ourselves on the right decisions, and do what is right for the planet on our own. It may be difficult to implement changes into our lifestyle, especially when it is not always clear what decision is the best one to make. But it is up to us to initiate a proper balance, and do our best to implement sustainable methods into our everyday lives whenever possible. This may just mean choosing to carry your own reusable shopping bag, instead of debating over paper or plastic in the grocery line. Let’s all stand together and take action.
