Plastic Waste Concerns and Circularity Methods
We’re all aware of the issues that single use plastic waste is having on our environment and in our societies. How do we resist it? Implementing circularity may be an effective idea, but where do we begin? In this post, we will explore how plastic waste is impacting our world at a global level, as well as action steps to be taken in our individual lives to promote sustainability. With the goal of a circular economy, we can move one step closer to a world with zero waste!
Plastic Waste Issues
Plastic has become a necessity for many areas around the world, as it has facilitated an ease in product production for years. However, the sharp increase in the creation of plastic materials within the last hundred years or so has created many new problems as well when considering methods of disposal. An article by National Geographic explains that single use plastics account for 40 percent of all plastics produced each year. Further, many aspects of our planet are being negatively impacted by single use plastic waste, leading to detrimental outcomes.
Ocean and Air Pollutants
Ruth Jebe, an assistant professor from the department of management at Boise State University explains in her article how plastic waste is drastically affecting our oceans and waterways, by generating toxic pollutants that harm our marine life and ecosystems. In addition, waste incineration plants are causing harmful chemicals and toxins to be released into the atmosphere, which can negatively impact plants, animals, and societies around the globe.
Landfill Waste
Plastic waste frequently ends up in landfills and does not possess a positive end of life, but instead is broken down very slowly over hundreds of years. Further, plastic does not fully biodegrade, but instead is broken down into micro-plastics that can cause harm to animals and humans alike, in addition to ecosystems and societies. (BioNatur Plastics).
Wildlife Concerns
As plastic waste continues to rise and spread worldwide, our wildlife and ecosystems begin to suffer the harmful effects of this problem as well. Many species are surrounded by plastic waste and pollution within their natural environments. One example of this includes hermit crabs, as they protect themselves from predators by hiding in shells leftover from dead crustaceans. As the level of single use plastic rises, it finds its way into every area, changing established habits. As a result, hermit crabs are now using discarded plastic as protection, highlighting our own faults to prohibit waste from spreading.
The Benefits of Circularity – Methods and Applications
Implementing circularity methods into our daily lives can have a positive outcome for our planet and for future generations to come. Reducing the amount of waste that we generate as well as reusing the items that we already possess can be very beneficial for reducing our overall carbon footprint.
Upcycling
One circularity method that can be adopted into daily life is upcycling. Upcycling is the process of taking existing items or products that you already have and repurposing them for further use, such as taking an empty food jar and using it for additional food or home storage. In addition, donating or purchasing secondhand items that are still in good condition can be an excellent way to contribute to your local community. This can also ensure that items will be used for a longer period of time.
Recycling and Home Composting
Another circularity method that can be used in daily life includes recycling and home composting. Many communities and areas worldwide offer recycling drop off centers. Further, there are many online resources that offer additional recycling information. In addition, starting a compost bin can be a great way to recycle organic waste from home. While there is a tremendous amount of investment towards recycling infrastructure, the challenge is that a lot of products aren’t truly being recycled. OCED global data suggests that only 9% of all plastic waste is recycled. Some countries are making more progress than others, specifically due to available infrastructure and legislation. However, the harsh reality is that there is still so much work to be done for this to truly create a dent in the problem of plastic waste.
Reduce Waste by Investing in Reusable Products
An additional circularity method that can be implemented into daily life includes investing in reusable and zero-waste products. Opting to make the switch from plastic packaging and products to reusable and natural ones can make a big difference in the environment when considering sustainability methods. Investing in long lasting products rather than purchasing single use materials saves energy and helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (EPA).
Invest in Products That Offer Alternative End of Life Scenarios
Creating a cleaner planet is a global concern, however, we can make a difference starting in each of our homes with the types of products that we decide to purchase. Many products on the market have substantial environmental claims, however those products tend to be more expensive. In the long run, consumers have the power to decide which brands will win. Wouldn’t it be nice if the brands who were responsible for choosing packaging decisions that positively impact the environment ended up on top? These kinds of brands are considering new and advanced raw material options, such as SmartSolve.
SmartSolve: Zero Waste Packaging Solution
SmartSolve offers another solution towards implementing circularity. According to Guido Aufdemkamp’s article, new “Guidelines for a Circular Economy” by The German environmental agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) suggests the need to consider all life cycle phases in order to evaluate the performance and flow of materials in the circular economy. As a matter of fact, recyclability can become secondary if savings, made during other steps of the lifecycle, outweigh the benefits of a functional closed-loop system overall. According to the guidelines, the avoidance of waste and residual materials is preferable to recycling, as the latter always involves losses and energy expenditure.
Further, The Ellen Macarthur Foundation suggests that the circular economy is driven by three principles: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature.
Our water-soluble raw materials are dissolvable, readily biodegradable, and fully flushable. We believe in product packaging with a positive end of life scenario, involving zero waste and zero hassle for the environment and for the average consumer.
Check out our sample materials and experience the magic first-hand.
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