There are so many things out there that are known to be inherently bad for the environment, but some things still cause some division on opinion. Disposable food packaging is often said to be one of the top offenders when it comes to clogging up landfills and releasing toxic gases. Lots of people and businesses use things like a disposable food tray and might not even give it a second thought once it’s thrown into the bin. But it might actually be something that you need to think about a little more. So, keep reading and find out if disposable food packaging is safe for the environment…
Single Use Plastic
Single use plastic is used all the time in food packaging, especially in disposables. However, this can lead to a huge build up in landfills of plastic that will take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to break down. The problem with plastic as well, is that when it does break down, it only breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics. These then leak into the soil and ecosystem meaning that animals can end up eating it, and it even ends up in our water systems and food. So, single use plastic is entirely not safe for the environment, nor inhabitants big or small of the planet.
Recycling Packaging
Some disposable food packaging is actually recyclable, which is much better than the single use kind. However, recycling still takes a lot of energy to do, and this can put a strain on the environment. But this doesn’t mean that recyclable disposable food packaging isn’t good. In fact, it’s a much greener alternative, and it should be used a lot more widely than it currently is. It’s a good idea to try and opt for food that displays that the packaging is recyclable so that you can be certain you won’t just have to throw it away.
Type Of Material
The type of material used for disposable food packaging also matters a lot. For instance, some disposable packaging is made from things like cardboard or even bamboo, both of which will naturally decompose fairly quickly without causing harm to the planet. These can be much better alternatives to use and allow for the disposables to still be readily available. Sometimes things need to be disposable, so using an eco-friendly material can make a big difference. So, be sure to take the type of material into account, as this can determine whether or not it’s actually safe for the environment.
Disposable food packaging is most likely always going to be used, so it’s important that we look to using more eco-friendly materials that won’t harm the planet. If you do have to use plastic ones, then opting for something recyclable is always going to best as well. No type of disposable packaging is going to be perfect, but it’s all about how it can be disposed of that matters the most. So, the next time you have to buy or use disposable food packaging, try going for something just that bit more sustainable. You’ll be surprised at how many options there are out there!
