Packaging waste is a serious problem in the United States and around the world. At the time of writing, 91% of all packaging waste is sent to landfills or otherwise ends up in the environment. Fortunately, numerous companies are working to reduce packaging pollution by utilizing recyclable, sustainable, and biodegradable options that provide the same benefits as their plastic counterparts. Here are seven of those companies.
#1 – Give a Sh!t
Give a Sh!t is all about changing the pet industry, which is rife with plastic pollution. Everything from dog food and treat packaging to waste bags are made from plastic, and they are significant contributors to the environmental waste issue. Give a Sh!t backs its products with its “Back to Nature Promise,” which simply means every single one of their products can go back to nature. In other words, they’re completely biodegradable.
#2 – Earth Breeze
If you’re still buying regular laundry detergent in those massive plastic containers, there’s a much, much better alternative from Earth Breeze. They offer laundry detergent in liquidless eco-sheets that provides a gentle, yet powerful clean for your clothes without the need for a giant plastic jug. The sheets come in fragrance-free or scented options, and their plans start at just $12 a month with flexible delivery options.
#3 – Plaine Products
Plaine Products is a personal care brand that stands out from its competitors with its unique packaging choice: recycled aluminum bottles. The personal care space is dominated by shampoos, body washes, lotions, and creams packaged in plastic that is difficult or even impossible to recycle. Plaine Products even encourages those who purchase their products to send the aluminum containers back to the company to be refilled at a significant discount!
#4 – ASOS
ASOS is an e-commerce giant that has committed to ship their products more sustainably. In fact, due to these initiatives, ASOS alone has prevented 583 tons of plastic from finding its way into landfills, oceans, and beaches every single year. To do it, they reduced the thickness of their mailer bags to just 20 microns – a simple change, indeed, but one that continues to have a significant positive impact on the planet. They’ve even implemented an agreement with their packaging manufacturer in which any packaging from returns they collect is incorporated into new mailing bags.
#5 – Pangea Organics
If you’re dedicated to living an eco-friendly lifestyle, then you’ve probably already heard of Pangea Organics, which creates beauty products that are 100% plant-based. They’ve been a zero-waste company for years, but they have taken things one step further: now, their packaging actually becomes trees! Organic seeds have been incorporated into the packaging so that the recipient can simply soak the package in water, plant it in the ground, and watch the tree grow.
#6 – CUSA Tea & Coffee
CUSA is another excellent example of packaging initiatives done right. They make a wide range of teas and coffees in single-serve packaging that can be enjoyed virtually anywhere. According to CUSA, the number of tea bags consumed in a single year could fill 790 empire state buildings, which poses a significant issue since most of the tea bags on the market today are made with plastic. Their retail boxes are made with 100% recycled paper and their products are made with compostable brown stand-up pouches that can be composted or recycled. You can even send your coffee or tea sticks back to CUSA for a discount on your next purchase!
#7 – WooBamboo
WooBamboo is the world’s first plastic-negative oral care brand. Aside from making some of the best and most sustainable toothbrushes available, they also provide natural toothpaste and silk floss that provides an excellent clean that won’t harm the planet. Their products are packaged in recyclable plastic when necessary, and their floss is completely biodegradable – including the box, which serves as the dispenser.
Making a difference in the environment is about much more than reusing and recycling whenever possible. It’s also about companies making it simpler and easier than ever for consumers to make earth-conscious choices that reduce plastic waste significantly. These seven companies have made great strides, and they’re only a small fraction of the brands on a mission to save the planet.
