Many of us are starting to be aware of the “Amazon” problem – that is the enormous volume of unnecessary plastic packaging.  It is not just an Amazon problem, but nearly every online purchase comes with unnecessary plastic packaging.  In my experience there is no need for the extra air-filled pillowy packaging, or the bubble wrap, or the plastic bag.  And, sadly, so many companies and individuals unnecessarily send packages in those plastic envelopes or plastic lined envelopes.  Most of the time, the items being mailed are already wrapped in plastic so there is no need for the plastic envelope.  I try to buy locally when I can, but when I order online, I’ve called or emailed the retailer and asked them not to use plastic packaging.  Sometimes that even works.  I also often take pictures of the inside of the package when it arrives showing all the excess plastic and sent that to the company and ask them to change their ways. I get some good responses.  My efforts may not make a difference by themselves, but if we all speak up, we can make a difference.

The United Nations Environment Program estimates that 36 percent of all plastics produced are used in packaging, including single-use plastic products for food and beverage containers, approximately 85 percent of which ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste. In 2020, the total volume of packaging waste generated was 79.6 million tons.  And so little of that is necessary.  See:  https://www.unep.org/

The good news is that there are many organizations that are “tackling” plastic pollution.  One of those is the Plastic Pollution Coalition, a non-profit communications and advocacy organization that collaborates with a global alliance of organizations, businesses, and individuals to create a more just, equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.  Right now, they are urging us to sign a petition to tell the U.S. Government to take a stronger stance on the Global Plastics Treaty, particularly to reduce production of plastics.  I signed it; it’s very easy.  You can make a difference by signing the petition and passing it on to your friends to sign.  On the website are many other actions you can take, including asking the USDA to protect children’s health by banning plastic from school cafeterias.  The website contains great information and extensive resources for individuals and businesses to become plastic free.  

What Can you Do:

• Urge your retailers to stop shipping with plastic packaging

• Sign the petition on the Global Plastics Treaty and share.  See https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org

• Check out other organizations, such as www.beyondplastics.org 

• Lobby your own schools, local, and state governments to address plastic in schools and packaging