10 Generations from Now, part 2
It Takes Two to Tango
But how can we live a more sustainable lifestyle if so much of what we buy comes in plastic packaging? Here’s the truth: plastic is here to stay. Like a world without paper, life would become a nightmare of inconvenience without it. Both these materials make our lives easier in uncountable ways.
It’s what we do with it when were through with it.
Naturally, the Paperboard Packaging Council is here to promote recyclable, renewable, sustainable packaging made from paperboard. Yet we acknowledge there are many times when plastic makes a more appropriate package for both the product and the consumer. PPC applauds every effort to increase the recyclability of plastic packaging, to minimize its harmful effects on the environment and to increase the use of non-fossil-fuel based materials. Click here for an example.
In 2009, almost two-thirds of all paper and paperboard waste was recycled. That is the
highest amount since the EPA began keeping records. But in school, what grade would 63.4% would earn us? We can do better. And we will.
Recyclable packaging means nothing if it's not … recycled
Unfortunately, the statistic for plastic is much worse: less than 14% of plastic waste generated was recovered. As consumers, we must learn which grades of plastic are recyclable and lobby our communities to make all forms of recycling available. Learn more here.
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