Plastic products are an integral part of life, yet they also pose a serious problem. Clogging waterways, killing wildlife and endangering human health are just some of the problems caused by plastic pollution.
Although various states and jurisdictions have implemented bans on single-use plastics, retailers still have a unique opportunity to make an even greater impact. Here are a few strategies you can use to reduce plastic waste at your store.
The Problem
Plastic is a durable, cost-effective material with devastating effects on the environment and human health. It’s also one of the primary sources of pollution; according to the World Economic Forum there’s a “garbage patch” floating in our oceans with 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic debris.
Recent years, the ocean waste crisis has become even more pressing due to our understanding of the toxic potential of microplastics. These microscopic pieces of debris can harm wildlife, cause illness and even result in death for marine mammals.
Despite growing awareness of the problem, single-use plastics still make up a substantial portion of ocean waste. Furthermore, they’re an important source of pollution in the environment and contribute to climate change.
In the United States alone, more than one billion pounds of plastic bags are used annually. These are often given away free by retailers when customers purchase products.
These bags are not only a major source of pollution, but they’re also an easy way for customers to end up with lots of plastic waste. While some cities have implemented bans on single-use bags, the problem with bag waste persists.
Grocers are taking measures to reduce their use of single-use packaging, such as adding refill stations for beverages like soda and milk. Furthermore, they’re increasing the availability of bulk bins and package-free groceries.
Greenpeace USA director David Hocevar emphasizes that supermarkets cannot solve the plastic packaging crisis on their own. To get customers on board, they need to reduce the amount of disposable items they sell.
Furthermore, they need to enhance their recycling infrastructure and educate staff members on the significance of properly disposing of recyclable packaging. According to Joanna Meidl, executive director of Beyond Plastics nonprofit organization, lack of recycling facilities is often a major reason why plastic packaging isn’t recycled properly.
Retailers have the unique opportunity to lead the industry in combatting single-use plastics by reducing their reliance on plastic packaging and informing consumers about more efficient recycling options. Furthermore, they can collaborate with other businesses and government agencies to reduce plastic pollution.
Strategies
Single-use plastics are an integral part of environmental pollution, with their production resulting in massive carbon emissions. During production, crude oil is converted to polymers through energy-intensive processes that release methane and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Once these plastics have been consumed or incinerated, they often end up landfilled, incinerated or accumulated within natural environments like our oceans and rivers.
Retailers have the unique opportunity to help reduce the production of single-use plastics. By providing customers with alternative options for plastic clamshells, utensils and straws, retailers can reduce the use of single-use items like these while encouraging customers to opt for reusable or compostable packaging instead of disposable items. Retailers also have an opportunity to reduce single-use plastic waste by encouraging customers to recycle existing containers instead of resorting to single-use items.
A well-crafted campaign can incentivize positive behavior change over time. It may direct purchasing behavior, shape reuse habits or foster policy that alters societal perceptions toward sustainable consumption and production.
Many retailers are already taking steps to reduce their plastics usage and packaging, with the aim of moving towards a more circular economy. They have begun eliminating harmful chemicals from products and rethinking their packaging strategies, such as replacing bioplastics with corn starch-based materials or reusable stainless steel or glass containers.
Consumers have become more conscious of their environmental impact and are taking steps to reduce plastic usage for better planet protection. Nonetheless, much work remains to be done in order to drastically reduce single-use plastic production.
In addition to the individual challenges, there are systemic ones that must be addressed as well. Recycling infrastructure is outdated and does not recycle all types of plastics, so governments and major CPG companies must invest in new technologies and programs that increase recycling rates.
Retailers must also implement education and awareness campaigns to promote more efficient recycling practices. These campaigns are essential in providing consumers with information on what types of packaging can be recycled, as well as where to recycle them.
One example of consumer education campaign that is making a major impact in reducing plastics waste is the Plastic Free Jamaica initiative. This campaign utilizes giveaways (incentives) and frightening statistics about Styrofoam to engage the public and inspire behavior change.
Sustainable Alternatives
One of the most efficient ways to reduce single-use plastics is to find sustainable alternatives. These may include products that can be repurposed or reused, as well as those which are fully biodegradable and compostable.
Some companies are creating innovative plastics that are both eco- and economically beneficial. For instance, Golden Compound, a German start-up, uses sunflower seed hulls and olive oil waste to create an environmentally friendly material that’s 100% recyclable and compostable at home.
Another promising alternative to plastic is polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PHAs are polyesters produced and stored by specific types of bacteria when fed sugars or other carbon sources. While the synthetic process may be expensive, this biodegradable alternative does not have the same environmental impacts as conventional plastics.
Other reusable and eco-friendly materials are also available, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. These are great choices that will reduce your plastic footprint while helping the planet flourish.
When it comes to lessening your environmental footprint, small changes can make a big difference. For instance, instead of buying new shoes every time you wear them, consider going up several sizes and wearing some old pairs that you can still use years down the line.
Sustainable living emphasizes shopping local and supporting small businesses run with integrity. When you need new jeans or a fresh bouquet of flowers, look for stores that support local farmers and small businesses.
When shopping for clothing, look for brands that prioritize sustainability and fair trade practices. Not only will this guarantee the quality of their product, but they pay workers a living wage and keep harmful pesticides out of the supply chain.
Finally, when shopping for food, whenever possible opt for locally-sourced and organic items. Not only does this support sustainable farming practices and local economies, but it also protects the environment by avoiding toxic chemicals from polluting our water and air.
Case Studies
Single-use plastics are a major contributor to ocean pollution and global warming. To combat these issues, many states, cities and countries have banned or charged fees on single-use plastics. These measures are also finding support within the business world as an effective strategy for sustainability.
Disposable plastic bags and cups are the most prevalent type of single-use plastic in the world, often given away free by stores when customers purchase goods. Unfortunately, these have a major negative effect on both environmental sustainability and human health.
Although many plastics are recyclable, they aren’t being recycled as much as possible due to technical obstacles to industrial-scale recycling of certain types of plastic. Unfortunately, much of this plastic packaging ends up in landfills or the ocean.
Unfortunately, businesses find it challenging to reduce the amount of plastic they use. They can, however, take other steps to reduce waste production.
One of the most successful strategies for retailers to reduce plastic waste is encouraging customers to use reusable bags and other alternatives. This can be done through signage in stores or making it simpler for customers to get a reusable bag.
Encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags when shopping or ordering takeout food. Doing so can reduce the number of plastic bags consumers use at the checkout line and ultimately save them money in the long run.
Retailers such as Walmart are taking this initiative. They have begun posting signs in their stores encouraging customers to “Bring Your Own Bag,” and they have advocated for changes to the checkout process to make it more convenient to use reusable bags.
Grocer Aldi, which plans to eliminate plastic bags from all US stores by 2023, has implemented reusable bags in their stores and encourages customers to bring them along with them. Trader Joe’s has always provided paper bags as part of its commitment to reduce plastic usage in operations.
In Conclusion
Plastic pollution is a serious issue that requires the attention and action of retailers. While some cities and jurisdictions have already implemented bans on single-use plastics, retailers have a unique opportunity to make an even greater impact. By taking steps to reduce their usage of plastic packaging and informing consumers about more efficient recycling options, retailers can lead the industry in combatting single-use plastics. Furthermore, they can collaborate with other businesses and government agencies to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable alternatives.
Sustainable living and eco-friendly materials are also essential in reducing plastic waste. Consumers can make a big difference by making small changes like using reusable bags, shopping locally, and supporting small businesses that prioritize sustainability and fair trade practices. It is important for businesses to prioritize sustainability and take steps to reduce waste production. By encouraging customers to use reusable bags and other alternatives, implementing education and awareness campaigns, and partnering with other businesses and government agencies, retailers can make a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable future.