Opening a package should be exciting, not filled with shock and frustration. A Reddit user recently shared an image showcasing an egregious example of packaging waste: an online order with individual bubble mailers for each small O-ring. 

What's happening?

The post, which appeared on the r/Anticonsumption subreddit, drew outrage from consumers fed up with wasteful packaging practices. 

The image and comments quickly highlighted the frustration surrounding excessive plastic waste from online retailers. 

"This is what ordering things online does," one user commented.

Why is plastic packaging important?

Many products, from food to personal care items, are encased in plastic packaging, which often ends up in landfills or polluting our oceans.

Unlike other materials, plastic doesn't decompose. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics, affecting the environment and human health. In fact, global plastic waste is projected to nearly triple by 2060, emphasizing the need for more sustainable packaging solutions.

By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics and opting for alternatives, we can help decrease plastic pollution and protect our planet.

Are online retailers doing anything about this?

While online retailers are supposedly pushing more sustainable packaging initiatives, not all seem to be committed. 

In an investigation by Environment America and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, tracking devices were placed on 93 bundles of Amazon's plastic packaging. These were marked for store drop-off and deposited at various retailers. 

🗣️ When you think about a product's packaging, which of these factors is more important to you?

🔘 The way it looks 😍

🔘 The information it provides 🧐

🔘 The waste it produces 🗑️

🔘 I don't think about packaging at all 🤷

🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Unfortunately, the results were disappointing: Many of the trackers ended up in landfills and incinerators or were sent overseas, with only a fraction reaching facilities that could sort plastics for recycling. The investigation suggests that Amazon's claims about its packaging being recyclable may not be accurate.

What's being done about plastic packaging more broadly?

The best way to combat plastic waste produced by company packaging is to make individual changes. 

"This is infuriating, but I personally never have trouble finding ways to reuse these. I'll stuff a bunch full of little toys and treats and give them out to my nieces and nephews, stuff like that. At least it's like, able to be reused," one commenter said under the Reddit post.

Another way to make a difference is by supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging. Some startups and companies are leading the charge by offering compostable or refillable packaging options. 

Or, you can opt for food items that come in biodegradable packaging made from materials like seaweed, mycelium, or recycled fibers. These alternatives can significantly reduce plastic waste and are becoming more accessible as more companies adopt sustainable practices.

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