Sustainability

Problem The Packaging Industry in United States is estimated at USD 193.13 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 222.59 billion by 2028. 40 percent of plastic produced is packaging, used just once and then discarded. Around 85% of plastic packaging worldwide ends up in landfills.

Impact Plastic is made from fossil fuels and the petrochemical factories that produce plastics pollute the surrounding air, water and soil. 12 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the ocean every single year. 9.5 million tonnes of this enters the ocean from the land with 1.75 tonnes being thrown into the sea directly from the fishing and shipping industry.

Make a Change Integrate changes each month to reduce the plastic and packaging you purchase. Start with using laundry sheets instead of laundry detergent from plastic containers or pods made with plastic. 700 million plastic jugs of laundry detergent are thrown away each year in the United States. The majority of these jugs, which are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the same material milk jugs are made from, end up directly in landfills.

Problem Twenty-six percent of the Planet’s ice-freed land is used for livestock grazing and 33 percent of croplands are used for livestock feed production. Land has been and continues to be deforested to allow for livestock expansion. 1.5 billion cattle, raised specifically for meat production worldwide, emit at least 231 billion pounds of methane into the methane into the atmosphere each year, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Impact Livestock production appears to contribute about 11%–17% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle produce the most emissions by far, compared to chicken, pork and other animals.

Make a Change Try a vegan meal kit plan. There are several to choose from now. Substitute beans and lentils as a protein source over meat.

Problem Food is the single largest component taking up space inside US landfills, making up 22 percent of municipal solid waste (MSW). All told, the amount of food wasted in America has an approximate value of nearly $218 billion – the equivalent of 130 billion meals.

Impact Landfills produce methane emissions – one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 14.3 percent of these emissions in 2021.

Make a Change Start composting today to remove your food waste from landfills. Here’s a list of local compost vendors who offer compost pickup at your door:

• Circle Compost
• Bennett Compost
• Back to Earth Compost
• Mother Compost