Eco-friendly packaging is a form of environmentally friendly packaging often made of recycled or renewable materials that are safe and sustainable for both individuals and the environment. It is also referred to as green packaging. Many large corporations have begun to adopt eco-friendly habits into their services. For example, McDonald’s is one of the first big chain restaurants to introduce the trialing of paper straws across the world. Growing up in the restaurant business in a small town, I believe it is equally important for small businesses to adapt these habits as well. My family has owned an old school burger shop for ninety years passed down generation to generation. I would be very proud to encourage my family and other businesses in my small town to adopt in eco-friendly packaging.
Massive amounts of energy is used up in the production of traditional packaging materials like plastic, paper, and cardboard. Usually, the source of the energy is fossil fuels that contribute millions of tons of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere while the waste packaging materials end up in landfills or water bodies. With the rise in global temperature issues, the need for eco-friendly packaging is rising as well. Eco-friendly packaging requires fewer materials, which are more sustainable and also employ an environment-friendly method of production and disposal. This will positively improve our carbon footprint, which is the amount of greenhouse gases that are released in the environment as a result of human activities. Eco-friendly materials are free from toxins and allergens. Traditional packaging is produced from synthetic and chemical laden materials making it harmful for both consumers and manufacturers. Eco-friendly materials are beneficial in creating an impact in their last stage of the life cycle. Alternative packaging is biodegradable and made from recyclable materials, minimizing their negative impact on the environment. Most of the traditional packaging used is a single-use plastic material. Although plastic materials are very convenient to use, they negatively impact our environment causing problems like clogging water drains, rising global temperatures, and polluting bodies of water. As compared to traditional packaging, eco-friendly packaging can be reused and repurposed.
Eco-friendly products will become part of a brand message. By using eco-friendly packaging, businesses like my families and others in our small town can give our consumers a chance to make a positive impact on the environment. The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products is continuously rising. Consumers today are looking for sustainable products when it comes to their purchasing decisions. The manufacturing cost of green packaging is less than regular packaging materials, thus saving a business their money. Eco-friendly packaging has a very positive impact on the overall environment, a business, and their consumers.
Our lack of concern towards our environment has been causing detrimental effects on the well-being of our society. Our approach towards green packaging material is one of the many things we can do to create a healthier environment than we currently live in. By using eco-friendly packaging materials, a business can reduce its company’s impact on the environment. It is not too late to stop harming the environment and save our planet!
Essay by: Jessica Nesler
Herrin High School
