For years the world has known about the dangers of climate change; the chaotic weather changes, the rising ocean levels, and the increasing destruction of our atmosphere due to greenhouse gases are challenges we continue to face and try to find an answer for. Despite years of warnings from scientists, and visible changes to our planet and its ecosystems, humanity continued to deny the dangers we were causing through our gluttonous consumption of goods and resources. It’s only been within the last few decades that people have realized the severity of the damage we have caused our earth, and what this means for humanity and our future. However, despite this growing recognition, there still continues to be problems in regards to how we conduct our lifestyles and business. For example, in recent years there has been a growing call for individuals to change their lifestyle habits to benefit the environment; from increasing recycling to using reusable water bottles, it has become the mission of the individual to stop climate change. Meanwhile, global corporations such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi continue to be the leading causes of plastic pollution, which more often than not results in the pollution of our oceans and other ecosystems. According to Young (2019), changes in our ocean’s chemistry and temperature can have profound effects on our weather patterns, and data shows that human activity has led to adverse effects on the ocean and its ecosystems; human industry and consumption has led to the extinction and endangerment of many animal species, and will continue to do so unless actions are taken. One such action that can be adopted by corporations in order to minimize their impact on the environment is the usage of environmentally friendly packaging. By adopting the use of environmentally friendly packaging, big corporations can minimize the risk that their packaging will lead to further pollution. The adoption of biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable packaging can decrease the amount of plastic pollution occurring worldwide, and can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. In addition to these options, corporations can adopt the use of reusable or returnable packaging; while these packaging options tend to be made from plastic, by reusing and returning them the company and consumer are not participating in the pollution, and instead are reducing their carbon footprint. According to the GWP Group (2020), the average western consumer handles more than 50 packaged products a day, with the majority of these packages being single-use plastics. With over 300 million people living in the United States alone, this can lead to hundreds of thousands of plastic products that result in global pollution. However, if more businesses began to adopt sustainable packaging, then it’s possible that we will be able to eventually eradicate plastic pollution and the chaos that can be caused by single-use plastics. Although it is important for the individual to do their part in combating climate change, one person can only do so much, especially when faced with Golitahs such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. By adopting eco-friendly packages, corporations such as these can join us hand in hand in the fight to eradicate climate change.
Works Cited:
“Sustainable Packaging: Examples, Ideas & Strategies.” GWP Group, GWP Group, 14 Sept. 2020
Essay by: Brianna Chilton
Arizona State University
