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The Hidden Impact of Food Packaging: Understanding the Health and Environmental Risks of Plastic Containers
Despite the ban on single-use plastics, their presence remains prevalent in retail stores. In grocery stores, for example, you’ll notice pre-cut fruits, vegetables, baked pastries, prepared food and bulk snacks all packaged in lightweight, clear plastic containers. When you look for produce, you’ll notice a roll of thin, translucent disposable plastic bags for fruits and vegetables. Although the ban on plastic shopping bags at the retail level has had a significant effect, more work needs to be done to address plastic pollution effectively
We depend on retailers and the Government to implement and enforce the necessary changes required to reduce plastic consumption nationally. Unfortunately, the lack of coordination between the various levels of government and the retail industry hampers progress. To protect themselves from the harmful effects of plastic on their health and the environment, eco-conscious consumers must educate themselves about the chemical composition of plastic materials.
Below is an overview of the chemical composition of the most popular plastic products used for food containers in your grocery stores.
Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET Plastic Containers
Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET are not familiar words we would use in our everyday conversation. Yet, this material is present in our everyday life. PET, as it is known to many, is made from polymerized ethylene glycol (C₂H₄(OH)₂) and terephthalic acid (C₆H₄(CO₂H)₂. Because of its durability, lightweight and resistance to moisture, it is the preferred plastic material for wet and dry food. It is the plastic container or jar used for sauces, condiments, microwavable meals, snack foods, single-serving yogurt cups, and liquid coffee creamers.
The two primary chemicals in PET are ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Ethylene glycol is a key ingredient in antifreeze and is used in various industrial processes. It can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin in significant amounts. Though ethylene glycol is used in the production of PET, it is not present in the final product. During polymerization, ethylene glycol reacts with terephthalic acid to form PET, which means that the final PET material does not contain free ethylene glycol. As long as PET containers are used according to guidelines, it is deemed to be safe according to the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
Although PET plastics are declared to be relatively safe, extreme heat such as microwaving, can make the plastic less stable and will leak chemical substances which is harmful to our health. If PET containers can produce harmful effects to our health in certain conditions, its end-of-life presence in the environment also poses the same risks.
PET has a recycling code of #1 which is highly recyclable and can be cleaned, shredded and processed into new PET products. But only about 30 – 40% of containers made of PET are recycled in the US and while Canada only recycles 33%. The recycling rates vary by region depending on the recycling infrastructure in place and the adoption of recycling practices.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic Containers
For sturdy containers, high density polyethylene (HDPE) is the ideal plastic material. HDPE is commonly used for dairy products like yogurts, milk and creams, juices and large water bottles, frozen meals, bottled condiments and sauces. HDPE’s chemical composition is polymerized ethylene (C₂H₄). Due to its food-grade compliance, durability and strength, chemical resistance to acids and alkalis found in food products, higher temperature tolerance to hot and cold and clarity options (translucent to opaque finishes), it is an attractive and cost-effective option for food manufacturers.
HDPE is a relatively simple type of polymer based on the polymerization of ethylene. The polymer chains in HDPE are linear and closely packed, which contributes to its high density and strength but to enhance its stability further, UV stabilizers and antioxidants are added to extend the life of the container.
Under low temperatures, HDPE is stable and food safe. It remains flexible and durable making it ideal for use in refrigerated and frozen environments. It does not become brittle and break in frozen temperature. However, HDPE has a melting point between 120°C to 180°C (248°F to 356°F) and when exposed to heat, HDPE may release small amounts of chemicals, though generally not a significant concern under normal conditions. However, long-term exposure or high levels of certain additives could pose risks, which is why regulatory agencies carefully control their use.
HDPE has a recycling code #2 recyclable but not biodegradable. Approximately 30% to 35% of HDPE containers are recycled in the US, 33% is recycled in Canada, and 40% are recycled in Europe. The recycling rate is influenced by factors such as local recycling infrastructure, consumer participation, and market demand for recycled materials. Efforts to improve recycling rates continue through better education, infrastructure, and technology.
Polypropylene (PP) Plastic Containers
Polypropylene is widely used for food packaging such as microwavable frozen food, yogurt cups, sauce bottles, deli containers, and flexible pouches for soup mixes, pet food and other dry goods. It chemical composition is made from polymerized propylene (C₃H₆). Due to its heat resistance, chemical resistance and durability, it’s a popular choice for grocery food products.
PP is chemically inert, which means it does not react with food or beverages under normal conditions which minimizes the risk of leaching harmful substances into the food. It’s resistant to many chemicals, including acids, bases, and oils, making it suitable for a wide range of food products.
Polypropylene has a high melting point (around 160-170°C or 320-338°F), which allows it to withstand microwave and dishwasher temperatures without deforming. It’s durable and can withstand impact and stress, providing a reliable option for packaging and storing food. Many polypropylene containers are designed to be microwave and dishwasher safe, making them convenient for everyday use.
Polypropylene is labeled with recycling code #5, indicating that it is recyclable. But while polypropylene is recyclable, it is not biodegradable. Containers made of PP do contribute to environmental waste and can exist in our landfills for centuries.
Polycarbonate (PC) Plastic Containers
Polycarbonate (PC) is typically used for soft drink or water bottles and restaurant containers. It’s considered an ideal material for plastic due to its clarity, durability and impact resistance. The primary monomers used to produce polycarbonate are bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene. The polymerization of these monomers forms the polycarbonate polymer. The chemical formula of BPA is C₁₈H₁₈O₂. BPA is a key component in the production of polycarbonate and provides the backbone of the polymer chain. The chemical formula of phosgene is COCl₂. Phosgene is used to introduce carbonate groups into the polymer chain.
Polycarbonate plastics often contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been associated with health concerns. As a result, many manufacturers have shifted to BPA-free alternatives for food containers. When using polycarbonate containers, it is important to check if they are labeled as BPA-free. Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, monitor the safety of materials used in food contact applications.
Polycarbonate has a softening point of around 230°C to 250°C (446°F to 482°F) and starts to decompose around 300°C to 350°C (572°F to 662°F). This decomposition releases gasses such as carbon dioxide and can result in a reduction in material strength cause warping or loss of mechanical properties.
Polycarbonate is classified under the recycling code #7, which is a general category for various plastics. Recycling polycarbonate can be challenging due to its specific processing requirements and concerns related to BPA.
The recycling rate for polycarbonate in the U.S. is estimated to be around 1% to 2%, in Canada at around 2 – 3% and in Europe around 5 – 10%. These low recycling rates are due to the lack of facilities that have specific sorting and processing techniques to recycle polycarbonate.
Minimizing Plastics’ Environmental and Health Impact
Although industry regulators (FDA, Health Canada, EFSA) claim plastics are safe for food storage, exposure to extreme conditions can cause these materials to degrade and leak harmful chemicals into our food. In addition, its non-biodegradable property poses environmental harm. While we wait for the industry to find safer food packaging alternatives, consumers can take actions to minimize plastic use in our environment and retail stores.
Firstly, adopt recycling as best you can to extend the life of plastic containers and reduce landfill waste. Secondly, shop at stores that offer bulk goods with minimal packaging or those that use more sustainable packaging options. Thirdly, choose products packaged in glass jars instead of plastic containers.
We still have work to do to improve the recycling rate for recyclable products. But in the meantime, focusing on what we can control can make a positive difference.
Decoding Plastic: What Each Recycling Code Really Means for Your Health and the Environment
In almost every product we purchase in a plastic container, numbers are printed to identify the type of plastic material used. The number is typically found inside a triangle of arrows, known as the recycling symbol, on the bottom of the container.
This is a coding system implemented by the Plastics Industry Association called Resin Identification Code. While recycling programs can differ by county, city, and region, this system aids in classifying and sorting plastics for recycling. Understanding what each number represents can help you make more informed decisions about recycling and assess the safety of your containers.
There are seven general types of plastics and they are polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and others (BPA).
#1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is often used for bottles and food containers. Products such as water bottles are the most common containers made out of PET. PET is relatively stable and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food or drinks under normal use conditions. But when exposed to high temperature over a period of time such as in a hot car, PET can start to degrade and there’s a potential for some leaching.
PET plastics are generally recyclable and widely accepted but not all PET products are recycled, and improper disposal can contribute to environmental pollution
#2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is often used for milk jugs, detergent containers, and food containers. It’s known for chemical resistance and stability. Under normal conditions, it does not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages and has a relatively high melting point. However, like all plastics, it should not be exposed to excessive hat or direct sunlight for prolonged periods as it causes degradation
HDPE is widely accepted in recycling programs, and it is considered relatively easy to recycle. Many recycling facilities are equipped to handle HDPE, which helps mitigate its environmental impact.
#3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is used for plastic food wrapping, food packaging, shrink wrap, toys and kitchen gadgets. It can be more concerning compared to some other plastics due to its chemical composition and potential health and environmental impacts. PVC is made from vinyl chloride monomer, which is a hazardous substance. The production and processing of PVC can involve toxic chemicals, including dioxins and phthalates. When used in food packaging, PVC can contain additives like phthalates, which are used to make the plastic more flexible. Phthalates have been associated with various health risks, including endocrine disruption.
PVC is not always easily recyclable, and improper disposal can contribute to environmental pollution.
#4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Due to its flexibility and durability, LDPE is used for a variety of applications such as grocery bags, food wraps, plastic liners, household containers, pipes and tubing and squeeze bottles.. LDPE has a low melting point and can deform or degrade at high temperatures. It is not suitable for use with hot liquids or in high-heat applications nor in microwave as it can soften or release potentially harmful substances.
While LDPE is recyclable, it is less commonly accepted by recycling programs compared to other plastics like PET or HDPE. LDPE’s disposal can contribute to plastic pollution if not managed properly. It’s important to follow local recycling guidelines to minimize impact to the environment.
#5: PP (Polypropylene)
PP’s resistance to chemicals, moisture, and heat makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. PP can be found in packaging, textiles, automotive parts, household goods, medical applications, industrial and construction materials. Polypropylene can withstand moderate to high temperatures, but when exposed to extremely high temperatures or direct flames, it can degrade and potentially release fumes.
PP is less commonly recycled compared to some other plastics, and improper disposal can contribute to plastic pollution.
#6: PS (Polystyrene)
PS in its foam form (commonly known as Styrofoam), is used as styrofoam food containers, drinking cups, insulation, household items and more. Polystyrene, can leach styrene, a chemical that has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). While styrene levels in food containers are generally low, prolonged contact with hot or fatty foods can increase the risk of leaching.
Polystyrene is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. This contributes to plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments where it can be ingested by wildlife.
#7: Polycarbonate, BPA, and Other Plastics
Polycarbonate is used in eye glasses, phone cases, construction materials and more. Polycarbonate is made using bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been linked to various health concerns. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with hormone systems. When used for food and beverage containers, polycarbonate products should be used according to manufacturer guidelines to minimize the risk of BPA leaching, especially when exposed to high temperatures or prolonged use.
Polycarbonate is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for a long time. This contributes to plastic pollution, particularly if not properly disposed of or recycled.
Takeaways
Understanding the types of plastics used in various products can help you make more informed decisions about recycling and safety. By being aware of these characteristics and following proper recycling practices, you can contribute to reducing plastic waste and mitigating its impact on health and the environment. Always refer to local recycling guidelines and consider alternatives when possible to help minimize the negative effects associated with these materials
6 Sustainable Tips for Outdoor Camping That Make a Positive Impact
Camping is a favorite pastime activity for many families and friends. We are fortunate to live in a country and continent where we have free access to managed parks and campgrounds that offer clean, basic amenities that make camping our experience more enjoyable. Camping is an opportunity to connect with nature, unwind and create lasting summer time memories with your loved ones. However, as a beneficiary to the beauty that nature has to offer, we must be mindful of the effect and impact that our actions and behavior will have on the environment. Here are 6 quick but practical tips on sustainable camping
1. Select a designated campsite
By choosing a designated and established campsite, you prevent disturbing wildlife and an ecosystem of a new area. Some campers are driven by the excitement of pitching a tent in the untouched wilderness but doing so will impact wildlife habitat, destroy vegetation and cause soil erosion; not to mention, it can likely put you in danger if there are unfriendly creatures like bears, coyotes and snakes that live in that environment.
Find parks in the region you want to visit and sign up for camping sites. Public parks tend to have lower camping fees but are very competitive to secure because they are offered on a first come, first serve basis.
2. Pack Light and Minimize Waste
Remember that bears are attracted to trash. Pack light and minimize the waste you produce. Plan your meals well to minimize food waste and bring reusable or compostable containers for packing leftovers.
Consider bringing reusable and refillable products like bamboo utensils, cloth napkins, refillable thermos or bottles and washable dinnerware to reduce overall waste footprint. Avoid single use plastics and excess packaging that harm the environment. Remember to carry out what you brought in.
3. Minimize Campfire impact
With more frequent wildfires destroying our forests, many public parks have banned the use of open fire for cooking. It may have been part of your camping tradition, but forest fires whether due to climate change or not has forced us to modify our behavior. Now, more than ever, we must be good citizens and abide by the restrictions imposed to prevent fire hazard.
Use only camp stoves for cooking instead of building a fire to cook. Use propane or butane powered BBQ grills and cook stoves instead of charcoal based grills with hot embers that can burn for hours and potentially cause a fire if airborne.
4. Use Sustainable Camping Gear
Invest in sustainable, durable camping gear made of eco-friendly materials. Tents, sleeping bags and camping furniture made of recycled materials is a choice in the right direction. To learn more about sustainable textiles and brands that offer ecofriendly outdoor products for camping, click here.
Consider solar powered lighting and cookers that leverage renewable energy resources rather than using batteries or petroleum based propane or butane for cooking or lighting.
5. Choose Non-plastic Personal Care Products
Plastics are everywhere and it is likely in your toiletry bag. Plastic toothbrushes, nylon floss, plastic combs and containers. Though durable, cheap and conveniently available in many stores, plastics are non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment.
Replace your plastic based personal care essentials with eco friendly ones made of bamboo such as toothbrushes, combs and personal care containers that leave no negative impact on the environment. If you haven’t already made the switch consider it now and don’t throw away plastics while on the campground.
6. Use Water Efficiently
Rather than bringing case loads of bottled water that will only leave plastic waste, consider using a portable water filtration system that will allow you to purify water as you need it.
Here are some suggestions for conserving water:
- take shorter showers in the evening after the end of day
- use a dish tub to soak dishes before rinsing off
- don’t flush your toilet unnecessarily
- use a hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands with water each time.
- bring enough clothes to reduce the need to wash
Sustainable camping takes conscious effort and responsible decision making. As we indulge in the joy of camping, we need to remember our role as custodians of the environment. We are fortunate to have access to public parks and campgrounds that give us the opportunity to connect with nature and create cherished memories with our loved ones but we need to be mindful of our impact. These six practical tips for sustainable camping carves a path towards more responsible exploration. By selecting established sites, minimizing waste, adhering to fire regulations, embracing eco-friendly gear made of sustainable materials, choosing non-plastic biodegradable personal care products, and conserving water, we pave the way for outdoor experiences that honor and protect the natural world preserving its beauty for future generations.
6 Simple Ways to Make Business Travel More EcoFriendly
With business travel back in full swing, many of us are on the road or in airplanes travelling to our in-person meetings, conferences or trade shows. With our tight travel schedules, we are constantly on the move and as a consequence, we are buying and disposing of things out of convenience and consuming inefficiently.
Although we can’t control every aspect of our travel activity, we can modify our behaviour and make choices that support a more eco-friendly way. For example, choosing rideshare, selecting green certified accommodations, or using biodegradable travel products while travelling can still contribute to the environmental cause. Here are 6 ways to make business travel more sustainable.
Choose a Green Certified Hotel
Choosing a green certified hotel is ideal but may not always be practical for your unique travel situation. But if it makes sense for your travel plans, consider booking a green certified hotel.
The hospitality industry, particularly hotels, are one of the biggest contributors to waste and energy consumption. According to a 2018 report by Green Lodging News, the average hotel guest generates approximately 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of waste per night, and about 30% of that waste is made up of plastic. The international hotel industry uses 150 million tons of single-use plastic every year with less than 10% of plastics recycled correctly.
In recent years, there’s been a growing number of hotel chains enrolling in eco-certification programs to show their commitment to sustainability. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council sets the standard for sustainable travel and tourism and acts as the international accreditation body for these sustainability certification programs. Three of the most recognized green certification programs in North America include Green Globe, EarthCheck, and Green Key with many more listed on the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) website.
Hotels that participate in green certification programs are accountable to maintaining a sustainable operation which includes the reduction of waste, resource consumption and the use of environmentally friendly products. Well-known hotel brands participating in eco certification programs include the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, InterContinental Hotels (IHG), Starwood Hotels which include the Marriott and Sheraton brands to name a few. Making a commitment to choose green certified accommodations is a step in the right direction.
Bring your Own Toiletries
We love the little gifts we get in the bathroom especially when we forget to bring our own toiletries but the each year, 980 tonnes of travel sized plastic containers are dumped in landfills. Plastic toiletry bottles are a huge contributor to hotel solid waste. Many hotels have started to replace these small bottle toiletries with refillable glass bottles affixed to the shower wall that contain shampoo, conditioner, and shower gels.
The Marriott chain, for example, has eliminated the tiny disposable plastic toiletries from its 1,000 properties in North America which translates to saving the landfill from 500 million small bottles or 1.7 million pounds of plastic.
Travel responsibly by bringing your own reusable small glass bottles and refill them with your own liquids instead of relying on hotels to provide these to you.
Reuse and Reduce Energy and Water Consumption
When travelling, some of us like to take advantage of the convenience that housekeeping offers. Replenishing our rooms with new linens and bath towels whenever we want, getting a towel for every part of your body and taking a special towel for different activities like fitness and swimming. Some of us are guilty of over consumption and unnecessary water and energy waste.
Water scarcity is a global concern and is a sustainability issue. The tourism and travel industry, specifically hotels and their guests, contribute to the water scarcity problem. According to Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a hotel can use an average of 1,500 liters of water per room per day. In some regions, where there is water scarcity, mismanaged water consumption exacerbates the issue. Many green certified hotels are now tackling this problem with stricter regulations and policies.
Frequent visits by housekeeping to change bed sheets and replace soiled towels leads to more laundry which translates to more water and energy consumption. While on business travel, reusing towels as much as possible, or bringing your own towels will help reduce the need for laundry services during your stay.
Dine-In to Reduce Disposable Plastic Waste
When you are on-the-road running a tight schedule full of meetings, it is hard to resist ordering take-out or delivery from fast food restaurants. It’s convenient, affordable and fits your schedule. But unfortunately, your take-out order uses a food container that is made of some material that will end up in the landfill and will take years to decompose. While many states have banned the distribution of plastic-based food containers and cutlery, many dining establishments continue to pollute the environment with non-biodegradable products and their choices are simply out of our control.
Restaurants and food service businesses spend about $24 billion on disposable products each year and throw away nearly 9 million tons of disposable food ware and packaging. According to National Geographic, the restaurant industry generates about 78% of all disposable food packaging waste in the US and uses more than 36 billion disposable utensils each year.
Five states have banned the purchase and distribution of foam and polystyrene restaurant products which include Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. Many restaurants have started to replace plastic cutlery, straws and stir sticks with organic materials made of bamboo and other wood products.
With these laws left at the state and municipal level, there is inconsistency across the country and a lack of consolidated effort to reduce plastic pollution. However, as an individual, you can still make a positive impact and minimize plastic waste by choosing to dine-in and use reusable versus disposable tableware products provided by the restaurant. It may not always be practical to use your own glass food containers to package leftovers nor to bring silverware for the road, choosing to dine-in is a way to reduce food packaging waste and reduce the overall demand for materials that are harmful to our environment.
Share a Ride
Travelling with colleagues or solo travelling on a schedule with multiple destinations poses a sustainability challenge. The cost of ground transportation on our environment is enormous and again, the ideal scenario options may not be practical for your business travel but can be manageable if planned ahead.
According to the EPA, transportation accounts for about 27% of total greenhouse gas emissions with short haul flights and local ground transportation as a solo driver being the biggest contributors to this statistic. While ride-hail programs like uber, lyft and grab don’t reduce carbon emissions when used by a single rider, an electrified car-pooled ride that is shared between two or more people, does reduce carbon emissions dramatically.
A driver with an electric vehicle transporting one person to a destination cuts emissions by about 50% while a car-pooled electric vehicle trip cuts emissions by nearly 70% compared to a private vehicle trip using a non-electric vehicle. Though we can’t always choose the type of vehicle we get when using a ride hailing app, we can try to coordinate ground transportation with colleagues to minimize the frequency and distance of travel thereby reducing our carbon footprint.
Wherever possible, choose charter transportation, locate your hotel near your meetings, select taxi fleets with electric or hybrid vehicles or choose companies that implement navigation systems that offer the best fuel and time efficiency.
Virtual Meetings as the Most Viable Option
We have seen how the use of technology to replace in-person meetings and conferences to virtual ones has positively impacted the environment. The savings generated in terms of time, money and resources moving from in-person to an online platform is a blessing for many businesses.
Based on a Cornell University-led study, the transition to virtual conferencing can reduce the carbon footprint by 94% and energy use by 90%. Producing conferences require the planning of food and hotel services, printing of signage and marketing materials, transporting supplies through various modes of transportation and the consumption of energy and other natural resources before, during and after the event. According to this study, each individual attendee produces up to 6,600 pounds of carbon dioxide because of their participation. If in-person events with more than 50 participants are expected to grow at a rate of 11.2% over the next decade with no other alternate delivery options, our environment will be greatly impacted. Though in-person meetings are necessary for building relationships, choose the virtual option whenever possible and fly only if necessary.
Your Sustainable Business Travel Commitment
Travel is a costly but necessary activity for business operations. If your company doesn’t have a sustainable travel policy, it might be a good time to reassess your travel program. From accommodations, to dining to transportation, consider the many areas and activities of business travel that affect our environment and find ways to implement sustainable practices.
Even if you, alone, cannot influence or change your company’s current travel policies, you can still make choices that support the preservation of our environment.
Canada’s Plastic Ban on Food Containers and Sustainable Alternatives
The food take-out and delivery business was a lifeline for many restaurants during the pandemic. When in-person dining was on lock-down, the only revenue stream restaurants could leverage was their food delivery business. Unfortunately, the increased customer demand for take-out service, increased the amount of disposable food containers and packaging in our waste system.
The growing consumption of single-use plastics presents a global environmental pollution crisis. Because plastic has been the material of choice for many products including disposable dinnerware, its global production has doubled every ten years.
Like many first world countries, Canada has a plastic pollution problem. According to the Environmental Defence report, Canada disposes of 90% of its plastic waste which is roughly equivalent to about 4,426 kilo tonnes of plastic discarded each year of which 50% is food packaging.
In an effort to reduce the gap between the amount of plastic packaging that is currently consumed and disposed of each year and the country’s aim to eliminate plastic packaging waste by 2030, governments at all levels, from municipal to federal, are working together to develop a solution.
On June 20, 2022, the Government of Canada announced a ban on single-use plastics. The regulations prohibit the manufacturing, importing and sale of six categories of single use-plastics including plastic bags, disposable plastic cutlery, beverage ring carriers, plastic stir sticks and restaurant food containers particularly those that contain expanded or extruded polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride, carbon black and and oxo-degradable plastic.
Timeline for the Ban on Plastics in Canada
Any establishment using single-use plastic bags and containers such as retailers, hotels, food services of all types (food trucks, cafes, bakeries, fast food, casual and fine dining restaurants), are affected by this new regulation. The Canadian government outlined the definition of these six affected plastic categories and proposed a graduated timeline for phasing out the products so that businesses have time to deplete their current stock and start finding alternatives to plastic materials.
Below is a table of the banned plastic product categories with a definition of what each category includes and the proposed material alternatives to replace plastic based takeout or food delivery packaging and supplies.
| Plastic Products | Description | Alternatives |
| Check out Bags | Plastic bags for carrying purchased goods at the point of sale in a retail establishment | Use your own fabric bag, bring a paper bag or reuse plastic bags you have for as long as possible |
| Cutlery | Plastic disposable knives, forks, spoons, sporks and chopsticks | Offer birch or bamboo cutlery including knives, spoons, forks, sporks, chopsticks |
| Ring carriers | Plastic rings that fit around the beverage containers and designed to carry multiple beverages like a 6 pack together | Display them on the shelves or bag them together |
| Stir Sticks and lid cover | Plastic stir sticks for stirring and plastic lid plugs that prevent liquids from spilling | Bamboo stir sticks or lid with spout cover built-in |
| Food service ware | Plastic food containers like clamshell containers, lidded containers, boxes, cups, plates or bowls which contain expanded or extruded polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride, carbon black or an oxo-degradable plastic | Bamboo fibre, bagasse pulp, kraft paper food containers have no plastic. |
| Straws | Straight or flexible straws which have a corrugated section that allows the straw to bend or packaged with beverage containers | Paper straws or bamboo straws. |
The Government of Canada in collaboration with local municipalities are supporting the transition to plastic free food containers. Some municipalities, such as those in the Greater Vancouver region, are accepting plastic products including cutlery into their recycling stream as a way to deplete those already in circulation. The Government published the timeline for this transition and the approximate dates for the ban so that industry can prepare for the mandatory replacement of single-use plastic. Learn more by downloading this document.
| Item Type | Manufacture and import of plastics for sale in Canada | Sale | Manufacture, import or sale for Export |
| Checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, stir sticks, straws* | December 20, 2022 | December 20, 2023 | December 20, 2025 |
| Ring Carriers | June 20, 2023 | June 20, 2024 | December 20, 2025 |
| Flexible straws packaged with beverage containers | Not applicable | June 20, 2024 | December 20, 2025 |
The Various Types of Plastics Used for Food Containers
A majority of food containers are made from plastics because they are sturdy, heat-resistant and possess properties that create the ideal condition for food storage. They are also cheap to produce making them an attractive option for restaurants that operate with thin margins.
The most widely used food containers are made from synthetic plastics which are derived from crude oil, natural gas or coal (fossil fuels) and refined into ethane and propane. Ethane and propane are then treated with heat in a process called “cracking” which turns them into ethylene and propylene. These two are combined to create different polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene and then injected into the container molds to produce the take out food containers. Most take away food containers are made from these types of plastic.
- Polypropylene (PP) used for microwavable food containers and condiment packaging.
- Polystyrene (PS) is the lightweight, rigid plastic used for clamshells, bowls, trays
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a clear lightweight plastic typically used as a cover lid for food containers.
- Polyethylene (PE) is a flexible plastic used as food bags typically in grocery and produce
Containers made with these plastics are non biodegradable and with its widespread use, we are racing against the rapid growth of its disposal in our landfills.
Alternatives to Plastic Foodware Containers and Cutlery
Companies continue to innovate with new materials to find more eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. Compostable and biodegradable materials are becoming more popular due to their ability to break down easily and naturally thus lessening the impact on the environment. The most common alternative materials for food packaging include bioplastics, paper and cardboard, bagasse, bamboo and polylactic acid (PLA).
Bioplastics are made from plant-based renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane and potato starch. While they are more sustainable than traditional plastics made from fossil fuels, the product process can still involve significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, some bioplastics may not biodegrade quickly or completely under certain conditions and may require composting facilities to break down properly.
Containers made of kraft paper or cardboard is another sustainable option for food packaging but is much less durable than plastic. Paper and cardboard are more vulnerable to mold, fire and water. They don’t have the ability to hold as much weight because they are not as durable and strong or to retain temperatures well or as long as other more durable materials like bagasse and bioplastic. Because of its poor barrier properties, some are coated with oil and water repellents – chemicals that could affect how they are disposed of. However, there are kraft based containers coated with plant-based poly lactic acid (PLA) making them biodegradable with very little to no impact on the environment.
Bagasse is a byproduct of the sugarcane process. It is the fibrous residue that remains after the sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. It is biodegradable and compostable. Because it is derived from the waste produced by the sugar-making process, it is a sustainable and organic option and contributes to the zero waste initiative. The only drawback is that bagasse tends to lose its strength and durability at temperatures above 95 degrees celsius. However, it ranks high as a healthier alternative for storing food.
Bamboo containers are made from the pulp of bamboo plants. Its properties are appealing and suitable for food packaging as well as disposable cutlery. Bamboo is renewable, biodegradable and has natural antibacterial properties. It is stronger than bagasse and can withstand higher temperatures without losing its durability.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is made from starches and sugars of corn. The corn is milled and the sugars are fermented into lactic acid. It’s a natural polymer designed to substitute widely used petroleum-based plastics like PET (polyethene terephthalate). PLA is used to produce clear cups, lids and salad boxes and also used as a layer of coating on kraft paper based containers to repel water and oil. The downside to PLA based food containers is that it requires specific conditions for it to be properly composted and must be sorted separately in a closed composting environment otherwise it contaminates the recycling stream.
A Transition Plan for Compliance
All of these alternative materials are considered environmentally friendly and sustainable. But before deciding to switch from plastic based containers to biodegradable or compostable ones, be sure to check with your local waste management program to ensure that the food containers you invest in are truly providing the positive impact that you intended.
For a selection of biodegradable food containers, visit our shop and let us help you with your transition for compliance with the new regulations.
8 Kitchen Habits for Sustainable Living
Most of us don’t even really think about the habits we have in the kitchen that contribute to waste in our landfills and the environmental damage it causes. We choose the easy and more convenient way of doing things like just throwing everything but the kitchen sink in the garbage instead of consciously separating waste and directing it to their appropriate places.
We use a lot of plastic to store food like saran wrap and ziploc bags. We buy large quantities of food and throw unused or spoiled food in the garbage. We buy processed food that is packaged in layers of non-biodegradable packaging or made from non-sustainable products.
Some of us may be clueless about the impact our habits have on the environment while others are perfectly aware but don’t have the facility nor the local infrastructure for a more eco-friendly waste management solution.
Garbage is filling up our landfills each year and it doesn’t seem to be easing up. In Canada, 31 million tonnes of garbage is produced each year and in the US, over 200 million tonnes of municipal solid waste was thrown away in 2018.
In order to change this trend, we all need to do our part. Each household can make a small contribution to a greener future by making the right choices and changing small habits every day in our kitchens. Here are some simple tips to implement in your kitchen.
1. Composting
Composting is a microbial process that converts plant materials and food scraps into a usable rich, organic matter that fertilizes soil. Composting provides the right environment for bacteria, fungi and other decomposing organisms like worms and sowbugs to convert these organic waste to fertilizers.
If your local waste management system doesn’t have a composting program, consider separating food scraps from other non compostable garbage yourself and throwing them into your garden (if you have one). This is the best way to reduce and divert organic compostable matter from the landfills.
2. Just-in-Time Food Consumption
Instead of cramming your refrigerator with bulk purchases of food that you have to freeze, consider consuming fresh food from the market. Picking up food when you need it, reduces the need to package and store food which, in turn, reduces the demand for more plastics and packaging.
Not only do you benefit from healthier, fresh food but you also reduce your exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, such as nitrites and sorbates, that are often used to preserve food especially in canned, processed or pickled products.
3. Recycle What You Can
Whenever possible, instead of throwing packaging materials into your garbage, separate and recycle them. Refer to the recycling number and find out how your community is recycling these packages.
If you live in a condo, perhaps there is a guide on how to separate your packaging and garbage so they are directed to the right bins. For example, some buildings may have a garbage chute that separates organic matter from garbage and recyclable products. Do your best to follow these guidelines. One error can spoil an entire bag of recyclable products.
If you live in a strata building, like a townhome, follow your waste management program and ensure you have all the necessary tools like compost pails and recycling boxes.
4. No Styrofoam Packaged Products
Many municipalities do not accept styrofoam for recycling. In fact, styrofoam is made of polystyrene which is petroleum based and typically non recyclable. Some municipalities do accept it as part of their recycling program but it goes through a lengthy process.
Try not to buy food that is packaged in styrofoam. For municipalities that don’t accept styrofoam, this packaging becomes garbage. Be conscious of how products are packaged and ensure that you are not contributing to waste because the food you are purchasing is packaged in the wrong materials.
5. Reduce Food Scraps with Leftover Recipes
Get good at using leftovers to make meals and you will help to reduce the food waste problem. Approximately 81% of all municipal waste is food material. By learning how to make meals with leftovers, your kitchen can reduce the amount of food that is thrown away in garbage.
6. Use Cloth for Clean Ups
6. Use Cloth for Clean UpsThis is an easy one but sometimes hard to implement. When we have paper towels around, we tend to use it instead of reusable cloth. We may think that paper is recyclable and easily biodegradable but we have to remember that every time we throw paper towels, we are adding to the waste pollution problem.
Instead of using a roll of paper towels, use a washable cloth that you can easily wash clean and reuse. J cloths are the best for wiping down counters and other table surfaces. Wash it and reuse it.
7. Machine Dish wash instead of Hand Washing
Some may think that washing dishes by hand is more sustainable (minimized water use) but in fact, washing by hand may use up more water than a dishwasher. Many of today’s dishwashers are energy efficient and use less water when you choose a short wash setting.
If you decide to wash by hand, have a system in place so you don’t leave the water running for too long. The part that makes water use more wasteful when hand washing dishes is when you let the water run until it gets warm and then let it run as you are sudsing and cleaning off the grime. Consider an energy efficient dishwasher to get the job done quickly and more efficiently.
8. Remove Coffee Pods from Your Morning Ritual
When Keurig came out with a convenient way to make single serve cup coffee with K-cups, it was a popular option to multi cup coffee grinds. It offered less hassle with preparation and offered a large assortment of flavors. Unfortunately, unless you deconstruct the pods before disposing, they are not recycle friendly. The K-cups are made of a combination of plastic, aluminum, paper filter and coffee grinds. In order for them to be recycled, you need to remove the pods from the casing and separate them and place them in the right recycling bins.
To reduce the possibility of waste and garbage, consider using single serve instant coffee, reusable coffee pods with coffee grinds or coffee filters for single cups. All these options will help keep K-cups out of the landfills.
These simple changes can make a huge difference when households across the country start to adopt small sustainable practices in their kitchen. If we find alternative ways to our current habits and recycle as much as possible, we can divert garbage from the landfills.
5 Simple Tips to Purge Plastic from Your Kitchen
We can all do our little part in changing the way we live by being more conscious about our use of plastic at home. Many don’t realize the impact that plastic has not only on our environment but also on our health. From every step of the plastic manufacturing process, we are exposed to the toxins emitted through inhalation or ingestion through the air, water or soil we breathe, consume or touch.
Plastic materials contain micro plastic particles and various toxic substances that are known or suspected to contain carcinogens that disrupt the human endocrine system leading to a host of health problems that affect human reproductive and nervous systems.
Plastic comes into our homes in various ways through various products. Many we may not even be aware of. There are the obvious household products like plastic bags, tableware, cups, milk jugs, food containers and personal care products that we know contain plastics. But then there are those products that are less obvious, like carton boxes of milk or cream, that are made of paperboard but also contain a thin layer of polyethylene (plastic).
For those who are interested in starting the journey to sustainable living and purging plastic from their homes, we start by identifying the common household products that have alternative eco-friendly options first.
Replacing Plastic Kitchen Products with Bamboo
One of the most practical and eco-friendly materials for kitchen products is bamboo. There are many kitchen items that can be replaced with bamboo. If bamboo is not your preferred choice, you can also consider other wood products like teak, oak or birch. But we highly recommend bamboo because it is far more renewable than wood with its ability to grow and replenish in a matter of months where wood would take at least 50 years.
Start with your kitchen drawers. Open your kitchen drawer and you might find the following items in plastic form. Consider these easy swaps from plastic to biodegradable eco friendly ones as a simple way to purge your plastic from your kitchen.
- Cutlery Organizer: If you have a plastic cutlery organizer in your drawer you can replace it with a bamboo expandable drawer organizer that offers the flexibility to fit most drawer sizes. They come in various compartment sizes. They are very practical and look elegant. You can typically get these organizers in a light bamboo natural colour, black painted wood or white painted bamboo.
- Cooking Utensils: Many of us have plastic cooking tools in our drawers. Maybe you got them at the dollar store for a cheap price. Never thinking that the plastic would actually melt, flake and embed in your food as you cook. It’s toxic and you may want to replace it with bamboo cooking utensils
- Cutting Boards: Your cutting board might be plastic and stored in your kitchen drawer. This is another plastic product you can replace with a bamboo board. There are many advantages to using an organic cutting board over a plastic one including its antibacterial properties and its resilience to scarring.
- Flatware and Other Cutlery: Perhaps you have stainless steel flatware at home, but some of us store various types of plastic cutlery products including straws, stir sticks, tongs and picnic cutlery in our drawer and we may not even be aware of this. You may already know that plastic straws have been banned in various regions in North America and replaced with paper, stainless steel or bamboo straws. Now you can also replace all other plastic products with reusable bamboo utensils from cutlery to stir sticks and more.
- Bowls and Containers: In your deeper bottom drawers or cabinets, you may find plastic bowls and storage containers for your leftovers. In fact, your fridge may be full of these plastic containers. Remember that putting these plastic containers in your microwave can cause toxins to leak into your food. Plastic containers have additives called phthalates that provide its flexibility and resilience and may melt at a lower temperature and leach out to the food when temperature reaches beyond 100C (212 F) in the microwave. You can replace these with ceramic or glass that can be safely microwaved and also effectively store food in the fridge.
These are very common household kitchen tools that have eco-friendly replacements. With so many bamboo kitchen products now available even at the dollar stores, they are very affordable and accessible. Consider the biodegradable nature of bamboo or wooden products and the safer option of using glass, ceramic or stainless steel for more temperature resilience.
It’s not too late to start making changes around your home and purge plastic from your kitchen. To find more eco-friendly products, visit the shop page.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas that are Low-Tech and Eco-Friendly
Father’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a unique gift idea that doesn’t pollute the environment, then check out these eco-friendly low tech high value products for Dad.
Electronic gadgets are cool but at some point, they end up in the landfill. There are a lot of other products in the market that are just as functional and practical and more organic that you can gift to your dad this father’s day and below are some ideas.
These products are more biodegradable, they require no batteries and very little maintenance. Some may require a little bit of dismantling at the end of their life to make them recyclable and compostable but nonetheless, they don’t sit in the landfill for hundreds of years contributing to greenhouse gasses the way plastic products do. So this year, consider introducing dad to sustainable products and show him how much you care about the planet.
Give dad something unique, memorable and appropriate. If dad enjoys the outdoors, give him a gift that allows him to enrich his experience. If dad travels a lot for business, consider a personal care travel kit or a fashion accessory. If dad works at home, consider an office desk organizer. To help guide you in formulating your own unique gift idea for father’s day, here are some suggestions.
Bamboo Sunglasses
Get dad ready for summer with these cool shades. A more affordable option to the designer brands but trendier and environmentally friendlier too. This all natural fashion accessory would be a great summer time gift for the beach trotter.
Bamboo Watch
Another great gift idea for the dad who loves to dress up. Get him this trendy bamboo watch. Tell him it’s time to start living more sustainably and give him a head start with this fashion accessory. Complements any color and style of suiting with its earthy, neutral color.
Bamboo Office Organizer
If dad works at home, this home office desk organizer is a great practical gift idea. Help him to stay organized with this multi compartment desk accessory so he can keep post-it notes, pens, paper clips and other office supplies within reach.
Bamboo Wooden Razors
Super low tech but 100% reliable and practical is the wooden handle razor. Electric shavers are great if you can carry batteries or if you have access to electricity. But, if dad likes the outdoors and he’s off the grid, manual razors never fail to keep him well shaven.
Bamboo Speakers
For his road trip, a bluetooth enabled speaker with the bamboo outer shell. Lightweight, practical, portable, durable and works just like the commercial plastic grade ones. Let him enjoy his favourite tunes on the road, at the beach or anywhere he wants to be with this bluetooth speaker.
Bamboo Camping Mess Kit
If dad is a camper, hiker or the outdoorsy type, this eco gift box is an excellent gift idea. It’s a mini mess kit complete with tableware and personal care kit for his overnight stay. This 6 piece utensil set is reusable and tucks away nicely in this fabric case. The stainless steel tumbler is excellent for his road trip. He can use it both for hot or cold beverages. With its removable tea infuser basket, he can enjoy organic tea without the bag. The personal care kit includes the essentials including a reusable bamboo toothbrush, dental floss and comb.
Bamboo Personal Care Travel Kit
If your dad is a traveler, consider this personal care travel gift box. It’s complete with all the toiletries and personal hygiene essentials including an eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush, bamboo charcoal infused dental floss, comb, containers for his shampoo and conditioner and a manual razor. Everything he needs for a truly sustainable travel adventure.
The Round Up on Sustainable Father’s Day Gifts
Think of sustainable products when buying gifts. Everything we buy and consume will eventually end up in the landfill so to avoid this, think about the raw materials used to produce the gifts you buy dad and what happens to these products at the end of their life. Make smart choices and consider organic and biodegradable gift ideas that don’t add to our environmental issues.
5 Ways to Operate a More Sustainable Office at Home
Since the pandemic, many of us have experienced a change in our workplace environment. Commercial spaces emptied and the downtown core saw an outflow of employees moving their work from office to home. Our workplace environment has changed and so has our mode of business operations.
With less commuting, less overall business activities and to some degree, reduced consumption, we realized that this new normal improved our environment, specifically our air quality. Less carbon emissions from the commuting public and less manufacturing activities cleared the air (as they say). Working from home has now taken root and many employers are now accepting this as part of the new corporate reality.
With many of us now permanently working at home while others are working within a hybrid model, how do we maintain the eco progress we have made during the pandemic and ensure that we continue down this greener path?
One answer is to adopt more sustainable ways to operate your office and business. At home, you have full control of your environment from heating, electricity, waste management to purchasing office supplies. Here are five simply tips on how to maintain a more sustainable workplace at home:
1. Minimize the Printing
There are many ways you can help to save a tree. Remember that wood is not as sustainable as bamboo and requires approximately 50 years of maturity before being harvested into pulp and paper. Reducing the need to print will help slow down the deforestation (which impacts a host of other biodiversity issues). Here are ideas on how to adopt this quickly:
Choose email as a way to receive mail rather than physical documents
- When printing, double side your print jobs to reduce the number of pages and ink required
- Digitize everything. If you have paper copies, scan them using a printer / scanner or take a photo of it to create PDF documents and then recycle the paper
- Instead of printing and distributing presentations, choose to screen share at the meeting or send a link prior to the meeting to prepare attendees for your meeting discussions
2. Cut down on Electricity Use
When not in use, turn things off. Sometimes we don’t realize that office equipment like printers, devices and other computers are using up electricity while idle. There are many ways you can conserve energy at your home office:
- Use the same computer (desktop or laptop) for working and listening to music if possible in order to cut down on the number of devices you are using
- Turn off printers, monitors, devices and other equipment when not in use
- If you have a lot of natural light in your home office, consider positioning your desk near the window to reduce the amount of lights you need
- Replace light bulbs with energy efficient LEDs
- Wear warmer clothes to reduce the amount of heat required or turn off your heater during warmer weather
3. Recycle and Reuse Office Supplies
3. Recycle and Reuse Office SuppliesWe buy a lot of office supplies that we throw away after a single use. While there are some items you can’t reuse like notepads with writing, there are many that you can recycle and reuse.
- Binders are reusable and practical. They are expandable, durable, multi-purpose and versatile and a perfect replacement for single use notepads
- Page Flags can be reused. They may not be as sticky as the first time you use them, but they still do the job when reused a second time.
- Rulers and scissors can be reused. If you have a dull scissor, sharpen them instead of throwing them away
- Reuse paper as scrap. Before throwing away a single sided piece of paper, use it for scribbling, sketching, doodling or note taking
- Paper clips and rubber bands can be reused many times over
- Replace single use plastic pens with refillable mechanical pencils.
- Reuse printer cartridges by refilling ink jet or recycle the old ones appropriately
4. Buy Eco Friendly Supplies
Another option to creating a sustainable office is to buy eco-friendly supplies made of bamboo. A majority of office supplies are made from man made materials like plastic which are non biodegradable. Consider replacing these plastic supplies with bamboo made products. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable, eco friendly and far more renewable than wood. Here are some supplies that can be replaced with bamboo:
- Pens and pencils
- Pen and pencil holders
- Drawer organizers
- Device caddies
- Rulers and straight edge sets
- Pencil sharpeners
5. Choose Sustainable Kitchen Products
5. Choose Sustainable Kitchen ProductsWorking at home means having more frequent access to the comforts of our kitchen. This might mean more cups of coffee or eating snacks more often throughout the day. There are many opportunities to improve our habits in the kitchen. Here are ideas on how to adopt a more eco friendly practice:
- If you’re using k-cups consider using instant coffee or filtered drip coffee to reduce waste
- Make coffee at home instead of buying them from the coffee and then disposing cups that only add to landfills
- Consider using paper bags for your garbage instead of plastic garbage bags.
- Reduce the use of disposable food containers by making food at home instead of ordering out often
- Use stainless steel or eco friendly bamboo utensils instead of plastic take out utensils
Working at home gives one a lot of flexibility and the ability to create a good work-life balance. For the most part, working remotely allows you to have the freedom to choose office supplies that are the most eco-friendly, control your energy use and configure your office in a way that optimizes your space for improved productivity.
Sustainable Living Series: 10 Simple Tips to Creating an Eco Friendly Kitchen
Look around your kitchen. If you haven’t already noticed, there are probably a lot of non biodegradable and harmful products in your kitchen. From plastic cooking utensils to toxic cleaning chemicals, they are everywhere in our kitchen. If you haven’t taken stock yet, take inventory of what you have and pay special attention to where these products end up at their end of life.
Are they recycled or do they sit in the landfill for years? Do they naturally decompose or does the breakdown process require energy or chemical treatment that could be harmful to the environment? This is an important consideration when choosing what you buy because our landfill is not shrinking but instead continues to grow.
In 2018, Canada’s municipal solid waste (MSW) which includes food, plastics, glass, metals, paper, rubber and wood was 35.5 million tonnes while the United States generated 292 million tonnes of MSW. Of the total waste generated in the US alone, about 146 million tonnes (or about 50%) ended up in the landfills.
The largest component of the waste that ended up in landfills consisted of food at 24% with plastics accounting for just over 18%, paper and paperboard at 12%, rubber, textiles and leather at 11% and other materials at 10% each.
Our kitchens generate the most waste combining food, plastic, paper and steel. Imagine if each household did their small part in being a little more conscious of how they choose products and dispose of their waste, we can all contribute to diverting and reducing landfill pollution.
Here are some simple tips you can adopt and practice as you begin your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Cleaning Products
1. Sponges are one of the basic cleaning items that we use to hand wash dishes, pots and pans. Many may not be aware that every day sponges are derived from petroleum-based polyurethane or polyester which is a form of plastic. These sponges not only shed microplastics as you wash, but they are also non-biodegradable, non-recyclable and end up in landfills.
Tip: Replace man-made synthetic sponges with organic veggie based materials like loofahs or cotton cloths. You can also consider using brushes with wood handles and castor oil (veggie based) bristles that are fully biodegradable. This option is healthier for you and the environment
2. Cleaning Solutions is a major source of pollutants. They may be effective in getting your kitchen sparkling clean or unplugging your drain, but those toxic chemicals end up in our waterways with some remnants infiltrating into the food chain. These chemicals can also be harmful to our health causing eye, skin or respiratory irritation and long term exposure causing more serious health issues.
Tip: Consider cleaning solutions that are gentle on the environment and have ecolabels or are certified as a Safer Choice product in the EPA database.
3. Paper towels and paper waste, though biodegradable, still contribute to the growing landfill pollution. They made up 12% or 17 million tonnes of municipal solid waste in the US in 2018. Many have grown accustomed to single use paper towels and napkins to wipe down counters and surfaces because it is convenient and we know it is compostable. However, when combined with other non biodegradable waste, paper towels add just as much garbage to our landfills.
Tip: Instead of using paper towels, use dish clothes that can be washed and reused to wipe down surfaces. Use a tea cloth for wiping your hands or dishes dry. This encourages reuse and helps reduce waste materials.
4. Disposable Floor Wipes, like the swiffer, is a convenient, hassle-free way to clean your kitchen floor without the labor that’s involved in traditional floor mopping. It’s quick and easy but unfortunately, the cleaning chemicals in the pad are toxic and the swiffer pads themselves are made of polypropylene which is a form of non biodegradable plastic along with other materials.
Tip: Consider using a mop. It seems cumbersome to have to fill a pale with soap and water and push and squeeze a mop to clean a floor but the single-use disposable swiffer option contributes to our waste problem.
Wraps, Bags and Enclosures
5. Saran Wrap is a convenient way to store food especially when used as a seal to cover food in a dish or just generally to store food safely. It is a thin plastic film made of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). Plastic wrap is not safe to use in ovens and personally, I don’t trust that it is safe in a microwave either because untreated plastic wrap can release chemicals and melt when heated. Aside from the health risks it poses in high temperature, it is also non biodegradable when disposed in the garbage.
Tip: Instead of using plastic wrap, consider using glass containers with a cover or use a plate to cover the top of an open dish if you are storing food in the fridge.
6. Ziploc bags are common items found in the kitchen that conveniently stores and packs sandwiches and other items. Plastic food bags, made of polyethylene, are widely used as packaging to store meat in a freezer because they are space savers and also used for packing lunches. Unfortunately, after we use them, we discard them and they end up in landfills.
Tip: Consider using glass containers when storing and packing food that will be consumed in the short term. Instead of buying in bulk, buy and consume just what you will eat to prevent the need to store food.
7. Plastic Food Containers are kitchen essentials and commonly used for storing larger amounts of food. Many refrigerate their left overs and then later warm them up in a microwave. These food containers are made of low-density polyethylene or polypropylene and have a high temperature tolerance before it reaches its melting point. Whether it is safe to microwave with food is debatable because researchers claim there are still gaps in their understanding of how plastics affect our health and development. Polypropylene is known to be non biodegradable and will reach our landfills at end of life.
TIP: Substitute plastic food containers with reusable glass containers for safe microwave use and ultimately generate less reliance and demand for plastic products in general.
8. Garbage Bags are made of polyethylene (petroleum-based resin) or in the case of Glad garbage bags, they are made of butene polymer with ethene (or polythene). While some say there are polythenes that are biodegradable over a very long period of time, others claim that polythenes are not biodegradable. Many of us buy whatever garbage bags are available on store shelves but, we may not be aware that our choices will leave a legacy in our landfills.
TIP: Instead of garbage bags, consider finding bioplastic bags or just using paper bags for your garbage and put them out in your trash can to be ready for pick up.
9. Aluminum based products including tin cans, aluminum foils and packaging contribute about 8.8% of the total municipal solid waste in the US in 2018. This is approximately 26.3 million tonnes with 52% that is landfilled. Foils are convenient ways to store food in shelves and fridges. But, unfortunately, they are easily discarded and unless they are not soiled, they can’t be recycled.
TIP: Using aluminum foil is convenient for lining pans when baking and storing leftover food however, to reduce aluminum waste, consider these three things: 1) using simply the non-stick pan without the foil lining 2) eliminating tin foil baking sheets from your kitchen supplies and 3) instead of accumulating leftovers, buy exactly what you will need and consume.
Kitchen Cooking Tools
10. Plastic Utensils are what we commonly use for cooking. Plastic utensils are made of Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene resin (ABS) and acrylonitrile–styrene resin (AS) which contain volatile substances that are potentially carcinogenic and toxic. Both ABS and AS are not biodegradable. In fact, many may not know that these utensils are made from recycled computer parts (especially the black plastic utensils) and over time, they chip and fray with microplastics landing in your food. Because plastics can’t biodegrade, they end up in landfills.
TIP: Consider wooden bamboo utensils for health and safety reasons. Bamboo, in particular, are biodegradable so they are one of the safest cooking tools you can have in your kitchen. They are antibacterial, organic and don’t scratch the surface of your pots and pans.
These are simple ways to start your journey to sustainable living. You may find many more opportunities to become more sustainable at home. Share your experience and tips with us here.
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