Plastic waste is a global crisis, with the food industry contributing significantly to the problem through excessive and non-recyclable nor circularly designed packaging. While systemic changes are necessary, consumers wield considerable power to influence market trends and demand sustainable alternatives. By making informed choices and advocating for environmentally, economically and socially respectful business models, individuals can collectively drive substantial reductions in food plastic waste.
The Consumer’s Role in Systemic Change
Consumers role and storytelling are traditionally passive. We, because we are all consumers as individuals or households as well as small companies, are seen as passive actors that have no resistance power to shape business models in the food system. However, consumers need to get empowered because it is their ability to make political choices as well as purchasing choices to shape industry practices.
When individuals opt for sustainable packaging options, they are not only taking community action, but they are sending clear message to businesses that environmental responsibility is a priority and if they want to gain benefit of our income, they need to satisfy our need for ensuring a future for the generations to come. This shift in demand can push companies to adopt less disruptive practices and abandon environmental, economic and social unsustainable business models that do not respect us.
Empowering consumers with knowledge and practical strategies is key to fostering change. MAGNO is going that way. Actions such as choosing products with minimal or sustainable packaging, that ensures plastic safety for our health, advocating for policy changes, and supporting brands committed to environmental stewardship can and will contribute to a business behaviour change towards significant reduction in plastic waste.
Pernicious Food Packaging Options vs. Respectful Alternatives
To better understand the impact of our choices, let’s examine some common pernicious packaging options that we need to leave behind and their environmentally respectful counterparts.
Bad Food Packaging Options:
Single-Use Plastic Bags: These bags are used for packaging fresh produce, snacks, and baked goods. They are convenient but have a short lifespan and are often discarded after a single use. Unfortunately, they take hundreds of years to break down and contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and landfills, posing threats to marine life and ecosystems.
Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Containers: Styrofoam containers are commonly used in takeout food services due to their lightweight and insulating properties. However, they are not biodegradable and are difficult to recycle. When disposed improperly, they fragment into tiny microplastics that contaminate waterways and soil, entering the food chain and causing health risks.
Multi-Layer Plastic Pouches: These pouches are widely used for packaging snacks, frozen foods, and beverages. They consist of multiple layers of different plastics/aluminum fused together, making them nearly impossible to recycle. As a result, they often end up in incinerators or landfills, releasing harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases.
Plastic Clamshells: Commonly used for salads, berries, and pre-cut fruits, plastic clamshell containers are made of PET plastic. While technically recyclable, contamination from food residue and inefficient recycling systems means they often end up as waste rather than being repurposed.
Excessive Packaging: Many products are wrapped in multiple layers of plastic, such as individually wrapped candy bars or pre-packaged produce, leading to unnecessary waste. This excessive packaging serves little functional purpose beyond aesthetics and convenience.
Good and Respectful Alternatives:
Compostable Packaging: Derived from renewable plant sources such as cornstarch, bagasse (sugarcane fiber), or bamboo, compostable packaging breaks down naturally into organic matter without leaving harmful residues. It provides an excellent alternative to plastic for food containers, utensils, and wraps.
Reusable Containers: Glass, stainless steel, and silicone containers can replace disposable packaging for both food storage and transportation. Consumers can bring their own reusable containers to stores and restaurants to reduce their reliance on single-use packaging.
Minimum or non existent Packaging: Some brands are now adopting packaging that eliminates unnecessary materials, such as selling bulk items without plastic or using simple paper wraps instead of plastic films. Minimalist packaging reduces waste and promotes a sustainable lifestyle.
Recyclable Cardboard and Paper: Unlike plastic, paper and cardboard are widely recyclable and break down naturally in the environment. Products packaged in sustainably sourced cardboard can help reduce plastic waste and support recycling efforts.
How Consumers Can Take Action
Choose Wisely: Look for products with sustainable packaging or even without it, avoiding those wrapped in unnecessary plastic. Consider purchasing items in bulk to reduce packaging waste and seek out brands that prioritize sustainable packaging practices.
Support Sustainable Brands: Research brands that are committed to reducing their plastic footprint and support them by purchasing their products. Many brands now offer refill stations, plastic-free packaging, and responsible sourcing practices.
Advocate for Change: Consumers can influence policymakers and businesses by signing petitions, participating in awareness campaigns, and voicing their concerns on social media. Supporting legislation that bans single-use plastics or promotes extended producer responsibility is crucial.
Adopt a Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Our grandparents did it well. Bringing reusable bags to buy bread, containers, and utensils wherever possible, and making a conscious effort to reduce plastic consumption in daily life, can significantly cut down waste. Shopping at zero-waste stores, traditional markets and farmers’ markets can also contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
Educate Others: Sharing knowledge with family, friends, and communities about the environmental impact of plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives can create a ripple effect and inspire more people to take action.
While businesses are responsible for providing sustainable business models, not only environmentally, but socially and economically, as well as adressing plastic waste from a legitimate for-profit activity, consumers have the power to influence change through conscious choices and advocacy. By rejecting harmful packaging and embracing sustainable alternatives, individuals can drive a collective movement toward a more environmentally respectful food industry. The power to create a plastic-free future lies in our hands—one mindful purchase at a time.
If you are a consumer, or a company that wants to adapt to what the future demands, if you want to know more about Sustainable Business models, take a look at our Practice Abstract on the topic.
The future will be circular or wont be.