Embrace a Greener Future: Reducing Plastic Waste in the Supplement Industry
Plastic Free July® is coming to a close today, but the effort to take a stand against plastic pollution should continue all year round. The supplement industry in particular, known for its staggering plastic consumption, contributes significantly to this global crisis. At Ellement, we believe in making conscious choices for a sustainable future. Today, we shed light on the environmental impact of plastic waste from the supplement industry and explore how we can all make a difference by embracing eco-friendly alternatives.
The Plastic Problem in the Supplement Industry: It's no secret that the supplement industry heavily relies on plastic packaging. Shockingly, in the US alone, over 1.8 billion plastic supplement bottles are sold each year, with 76% of all supplement packaging made of plastic. Additionally, many supplements are packaged in secondary plastic materials such as boxes, sachets, and plastic wraps, further exacerbating the waste problem.
Glass vs. Plastic: To address the plastic issue, some companies have turned to glass packaging as a seemingly more sustainable alternative. However, it's crucial to understand that glass, while recyclable, also poses its own environmental challenges. Glass generates more greenhouse gas emissions during shipping compared to plastic, contributing to climate change. Furthermore, it takes over 1 million years for glass to decompose, making it a long-lasting burden on our planet if not properly recycled.
Plastic Waste: Where Does It Go? The sad reality is that a significant portion of plastic waste ends up in landfills, accounting for almost 70% of the total. Another 17% is combusted, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Approximately 3% of plastic waste finds its way into the ocean each year, posing severe threats to marine life and ecosystems. Despite efforts to promote recycling, less than 9% of all plastic waste in the US is recycled. Moreover, over 50% of the recycled plastic waste is shipped overseas, often landing in lower-income countries with inadequate waste management systems. This practice shifts the burden of responsibility to vulnerable communities and leads to further pollution and environmental degradation.
A staggering 3% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean every year, and tragically, plastic waste never truly decomposes. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine and land animals. These microplastics can cause serious harm, such as blocking digestive tracts, piercing organs, or causing starvation due to a lack of nutrients.
Be Part of the Solution: As individuals and as a society, we can play a vital role in reducing plastic waste in the supplement industry and beyond. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
Choose Sustainable Brands: Support companies like Ellement that are committed to reducing plastic waste by offering eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Ellement’s daily packets are 100% biodegradable, and our boxes are made from recyclable cardboard.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Embrace Plastic Free July® and strive to eliminate single-use plastics from your daily life, starting with simple switches like using reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
Properly Dispose of Plastic Waste: Ensure you recycle any plastic packaging you can, following local recycling guidelines.
Support Plastic Cleanup Initiatives: Contribute to organizations that focus on cleaning up plastic waste from oceans and beaches, safeguarding marine life and habitats.
Plastic Free July® presents an opportunity for all of us to make a positive impact on our planet. The supplement industry's excessive plastic consumption demands immediate action. Let us come together to choose sustainable alternatives, raise awareness, and advocate for change. By making mindful choices, we can create a healthier, cleaner world for ourselves and future generations. Join Ellement in the journey towards a plastic-free, greener future!
