More than 50% of all plastic thrown out is packaging. Single-use plastic has become a scourge on our planet in the past 60 years. It’s cheap to make and widely considered to be hygienic and time-saving. Unfortunately, one of the qualities that makes it valuable also makes it extremely detrimental to the health of the planet: its durability. Plastic is estimated to last anywhere from 450 years to forever.
Nearly every piece of plastic ever made is still with us and every piece we manufacture adds to the problem. Creating it involves fossil fuels, which aren’t so great for our atmosphere. When plastics enter rivers and the ocean they slowly leach chemicals into the soil and water, harming the health of our entire ecosystem.
This is why it’s so important to seek out alternatives to plastic packaging. But what are these options exactly? Here are a few to consider when looking to take your packaging in a plastic-free direction:
Cardboard Cushioning Material
Traditional bubble wrap comes in many items still today, however, it is not the most eco-friendly and is made of plastic.
An alternative to this is an up-cycled corrugated cardboard. This is made from post-consumer cardboard waste made into a cushioning material making it a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional bubble wrap.
Corrugated Bubble can be found at EcoEnclose, and Versa-Pak Kraft Wadding Rolls can be found at Uline.
Mushroom Packaging
Mushroom packaging uses cleaned and ground agricultural waste, which is fused together by a matrix of mushroom roots known as mycelium.
This interesting material can be molded into whatever shape is desired for packaging. It also biodegrades at an incredible rate. Mushroom packaging can be composted at home, breaking down into non-toxic, organic matter.
Learn more about Mycelium at Mushroom Packaging, by Ecovation Design.
Seaweed Packaging
Seaweed packaging is made from a plentiful and sustainable raw material, and could be the next big thing in eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Some of this new packaging that is being developed is biodegradable within six weeks, compared to hundreds of years for synthetic plastics.
Notpla creates biodegradable and edible plastic alternative from Seaweed and plants.
Recycled Paper and Cardboard
Paper and cardboard are some of the most readily available and easily recyclable materials available. There is some debate around the carbon footprint and other environmental concerns of different paper products, but one thing is certain: when they aren’t disposed of properly they are far less risky if they escape into the environment or waterways. So, try to source post-consumer or post-industrial recycled paper and cardboard for an eco-friendly plastic alternative.
EcoEnclose brings innovative eco-solutions to shipping supplies by developing packaging made with as much recycled content as is humanly possible, which can be easily recycled into new packaging in its next life.
Have a favorite plastic-free alternative you use? Let us know!