Part of living a healthy lifestyle means trying to attain as much of nature’s balance as possible with the world around us. Simply put, we tend to be happier when surrounded by natural materials like wood, stone, cotton, and metal. Indeed, for a while we lived in virtually harmony with our planet for hundreds of years even as our civilization developed. Then the 1950s happened and with it came the “better life through chemistry” revolution and an age everywhere plastic. Suddenly the market is saturated with products packaged in plastic, even as plastic is more and more found in households. And everybody was too preoccupied with the post-war spirit of progress to think much about its impact on the planet.
These days, however, we are living after the shortsightedness of previous generations. Packaging companies work tirelessly to find more sustainable ways to create everything from hazmat packaging to biodegradable water bottles. But why bother? Why do packaging companies (and the brands that use them) invest so heavily in research for more sustainable methods? Here we’ll look at some of the reasons why sustainable packaging is important for the health of you and the planet…
They are freed from allergens and toxins
Not all plastics are created equal! Some plastics, even those used for food packaging, can contain BPA is dangerous which can interfere with hormone function in addition to allergens and other toxins that can harm your health over time. Chemical compounds found in some plastics have been linked to everything from weight gain to decreased fertility and even an increased risk of cancer.
Fortunately, more and more brands are replacing them with biodegradable “bioplastics” that aren’t only more environmentally friendly, but also freed from allergens and toxins. Buy products packaged in additional sustainable bioplastics and you can stop diverse health complications.
They can produce cheaper products
Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging tends to be lighter. While the difference may be negligible on a single unit, it can all make a big difference to manufacturers and brands, saving lots of money on shipping costs. Savings that the brand can then pass on to you, the buyer. That means cheaper products and fewer stress about money!
They are less of a drain on our natural resources
Packaging is a large industry and the creation of packaging solutions can in some cases carry an enormous carbon footprint, flooding the atmosphere with harmful pollutants. It’s not only damaging to the planet, it is also damaging to our bodies when we breathe it in.
Sustainable packaging, however, is designed with less pressure on our planet’s natural resources and reduced energy consumption. Every time you buy a sustainably packaged product, you are voting with your wallet for cleaner skies, cleaner oceans, and more nutritious air for us and the plants and animals that share our planet.
One of the great things about living in the 21st century is that we have so many choices. Make sure that the choices you make as a consumer are taken into account. Your body and your planet will thank you for it!
