Packaging waste
[1][2] Notable examples for which the need for regulation was recognized early, are "containers of liquids for human consumption", i.e. plastic bottles and the like.
Furthermore, the process of burning of containers and packaging was 7.2 million tons (21.4 percent of total combustion with energy recovery).
[4] This is a major issue for low income countries who do not have an efficient waste management system to clean up their environments and being the main sources for the global ocean pollution.
[4] But 'litter louts', individuals who lack the motivation to recycle and instead leave their waste anywhere they want are also major contributors, especially in high income nations where such facilities are available.
But examples of effective ways to help reduce packaging pollution include banning the use of single-use plastics, more social awareness and education, promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, public pressure, voluntary cleaning up, and adopting reusable or biodegradable bags.
"[9] Overpackaging is an opportunity for source reduction, reducing waste by proper package design and practice.
An optimized folding box would use much less paperboard for the same volume of cereal, but with reduced surface area for graphics.
With online shopping or E-commerce, however, items packed for retail sale may be shipped individually by Fulfillment houses by package delivery or small parcel carriers.
It has been estimated by the EPA that 9.1 million tons of glass containers were generated in 2015, or 3.5 percent of municipal solid waste (MSW).
[5] The most of it being generated, and within the MSW in 2015, was corrugated boxes coming with at least 31.3 million tons (11.3 percent total) produced.
The total amount of MSW generated for paper and paperboard containers and packaging was 39.9 million tons or 15.1 percent in 2015.
According to EPA's data that were borrowed from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the United States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Southern Research Station, 9.8 million tons (3.7 percent of total MSW) of wood packaging were made in production in 2015.
EPA used data from the American Chemistry Council to estimate that 14.7 million tons (5.5 percent of MSW generation) of plastic containers and packaging were created in 2015.
[14] It has a huge impact on the marine environment as well, when animals are caught in or accidentally consume plastic packaging.
Some emissions comes from accidental fires or activities that includes incineration of packaging waste that releases vinyl chloride, CFC, and hexane.
[6][8] BPA can affect the hearts of women, permanently damage the DNA of mice, and appear to be entering the human body from a variety of unknown sources.
[8] Microplastics are dangerous as the toxins can affect the human body's nervous, respiratory, and reproductive system.
[4][6][14] Governments working with industries could support the development and promotion of sustainable alternatives in order to phase out single-use plastics progressively.
Using the media gives individuals or groups quick access to spread information and awareness concerning letting the public know what is happening in the world and how others can contribute to fixing packaging waste problems.
Schools are also good for spreading education with factual knowledge and possible outcomes for the increase of packaging waste and provide ways to get individuals to give a helping hand in keeping our planet clean.
[8] These strategies may focus on the reuse and recycling of resources and encouraging responsible use and minimization of waste generation and litter.
