How to Reduce Single-Use Packaging Waste

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 02:34:34 +0000

Packaging – much of it single-use food wrapping – has created a rubbish problem that now pollutes every corner of the world.

EPA defines containers and packaging as products that are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased. Containers and packaging make up a major portion of municipal solid waste, amounting to 77.9 million tons of generation in 2015.

There are a number of things you can do to minimize packaging waste to help reduce the pollution caused by the packaging.

Buy in bulk. Buying lots of smaller packs generates more waste.
Always carry your own bags while shopping.
Try to buy loose products where available. For instance, in case of vegetables and fruits.
Opt for brands that have less packaging.
Avoid buying bottled water unless tap water in your area is unsafe for drinking.

Most Bottled Water Contains Microplastics, Study Finds

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 21:29:28 +0000

A recent study of bottled water, conducted by the journalism organization Orb Media, found that almost every major brand of bottled water is contaminated with particles of plastic.

The researchers tested 250 bottles of water—from nine countries and 11 brands. They dropped a red dye in each, which stuck to the plastic and glowed when passed under a certain light.

On average, in 93% of bottles, they found more than 10 pieces of plastic thicker than a human hair and hundreds of smaller pieces that the researchers and outside experts believe are probably plastic as well.

According to these findings, a person drinking an average amount of water from bottles could be consuming anywhere between hundreds and tens of thousands of microparticles a day.

bottled water – Aquarius-Systems

How to Reduce Single-Use Packaging Waste

Most Bottled Water Contains Microplastics, Study Finds