How we can do our part and the tools that will help us:
Due to the negative consequences that nondegradable plastic packaging has on both the environment and human health, many people are working to substantially cut plastic production, enhance recycling, and support more environmentally friendly food packaging.
This article outlines the necessity of eco-friendly food packaging, offers a list of five to try, and warns you about a few to stay away from.
Glass Containers
Glass is a long-lasting, recyclable material that is also simple to clean and use for portable food packaging. Water bottles and bento boxes are examples of glass food and drink containers. Glass containers are a highly eco-friendly option for storing food and beverages. Firstly, glass is a naturally occurring material that is made from abundant raw materials such as sand and soda ash. This means that it is a renewable resource that can be easily recycled and repurposed without losing its quality. Secondly, glass is a non-toxic and inert material, which means that it does not leach harmful chemicals into food or drink, making it a safe and healthy option for storage. Additionally, glass containers are highly durable and can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for single-use plastic containers that contribute to waste and pollution. Glass is also impermeable and odorless, which means that it does not absorb or retain flavors or smells from previous contents, making it ideal for use in the food industry. Finally, glass is a highly recyclable material, and recycling it can significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its production. Overall, glass containers are an eco-friendly and sustainable option that can help reduce waste, protect human health, and promote a circular economy.
Stainless Steel
Food-grade stainless steel is a secure option for food storage since it is strong, rust-free, and heat resistant. Moreover, it is recyclable and reusable. Stainless steel containers are an excellent eco-friendly option for storing food and beverages, as they offer numerous benefits over single-use plastic containers. One of the main advantages of stainless steel is that it is a highly durable material that can last for years with proper care, making it a long-lasting investment that reduces the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, stainless steel is non-toxic, non-reactive, and easy to clean, which makes it a safe and hygienic option for food storage.
Bamboo
Due to its durability and heat resistance, bamboo is biodegradable and has many other desired qualities for food packaging. Bamboo is an incredibly versatile and sustainable material that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits. First and foremost, bamboo is an environmentally friendly option, as it grows quickly and requires little water and no pesticides or fertilizers to thrive. In addition, bamboo is a durable and lightweight material that can be used in a variety of products, from flooring and furniture to clothing and kitchenware. Bamboo is also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it a hygienic choice for items such as cutting boards and utensils. Overall, bamboo is an excellent choice for those who want to make more sustainable and responsible choices in their purchasing habits.
Sugarcane
Disposable items made from sugarcane, also known as bagasse, have become increasingly popular as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic items. This is because they are biodegradable, compostable, and made from renewable resources. Here are some reasons why disposable items made from sugarcane are better for the environment than plastic. Sugarcane is a rapidly renewable resource that requires minimal water and energy to grow. Sugarcane plants can be harvested every year, making them a more sustainable alternative to trees, which can take decades to mature. Moreover, sugarcane is biodegradable, which means that it will break down into natural materials over time, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Disposable items made from sugarcane are compostable. This means that they can be broken down into organic matter, which can be used to nourish plants and soil. Sugarcane-based products are an excellent alternative to plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and often ends up in oceans and other waterways. In contrast, composted sugarcane products can help to enrich the soil and reduce waste.
Compostable Food Storage Containers
Oxo-Biodegradable Drinking Straws
Gelatin Films
When it comes to sustainable options for food storage, gelatin film is a clear winner. Not only does it have environmental benefits, but it also has practical advantages and can help you reduce your carbon footprint. So next time you need to wrap up leftovers or store food in the fridge, consider making the switch to gelatin film
Because of its benign characteristics, low cost, and consistent film-forming capabilities, gelatin films are becoming more popular for food packaging. Antimicrobial cellulose is used to fill gelatin films, which prevents the growth of common organisms that cause foodborne sickness, such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Because of these active fillers, gelatin films are a safer alternative to traditional plastics.
Plastics to Avoid
Single Use Plastics
Straws, beverage bottles, bottle caps, Styrofoam cups, and plastic bags are the most frequent, non-recyclable, and improperly disposed of single-use plastics. Single-use plastic is bad for several reasons. It is not biodegradable, which means that it can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down, resulting in the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
Instead of This
Try this
Compostable Biodegradable Paper Cups
Plastics with BPA
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, which is a chemical that's used to make certain types of plastic. While BPA plastic may seem convenient and useful, it has some serious negative effects on the environment that we need to be aware of. One of the main problems with BPA plastic is that it doesn't break down easily. When it's thrown away, it can sit in landfills for hundreds of years, taking up space and polluting the environment. This means that we're creating a lot of waste that won't go away for a very long time, and that's not good for the planet. Not only is BPA plastic bad for the environment, but it's also bad for our health. Exposure to BPA has been linked to a variety of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. This is because the chemicals in BPA can mimic hormones in the body and disrupt our natural systems.
Plastic Takeout Containers
The widespread usage of disposable takeaway containers generates significant volumes of waste, which contributes to pollution and environmental toxins. Single-use plastic is bad for several reasons. It is not biodegradable, which means that it can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down, resulting in the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. The use of single-use plastic is not sustainable, as it relies on finite resources and contributes to the depletion of natural resources such as oil and gas. For all these reasons, it is crucial to reduce the use of single-use plastic and to transition to more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.
Instead of this
Try this
Compostable Clamshell Take-Out Containers
Check Out Our BPA Free Plastics from EcoQuality
Petroleum-based food packaging pollutes the environment and poses a variety of health hazards, including metabolic diseases and cancer. While it may be impossible to avoid all plastics, choosing eco-friendly food packaging that is biodegradable, less toxic, and recyclable is an important step toward reducing plastics' negative impacts on your health and the environment. By opting for sustainable alternatives like compostable or reusable containers, you can help reduce this waste and prevent further damage to our planet.
