Team Oshen.Rx~Posted on~10 min. read
Plastic Pollution
In a world driven by convenience and hyper-capitalism, our planet is silently drowning in a sea of plastic waste. The ecological problem of plastics in our oceans has reached critical proportions, threatening marine life, human health, and the delicate balance of our environment. It's a crisis that demands immediate attention, activism, and a collective effort to bring about real change. The concept of convenience often comes at a high environmental cost. Follow one example by entering the world of single-serving sachets, a seemingly practical solution for consumers looking for quick and affordable products. Yet, these miniature packages have morphed into a significant environmental scourge and one of the prime contributors to the global plastic pollution crisis.
Companies like Unilever, once praised for their innovations in personal care and food products, introduced these sachets to cater to price-sensitive markets. These sachets offered affordability and accessibility, especially in regions where buying in bulk was less common. However, their unintended consequence has been a deluge of plastic waste.
With sales of sachets being predicted to increase by 5.8% by 2031, a majority of supplement companies attracted to this convenience and cheap packaging, have followed in Unilever’s wake, only to exponentially contribute to the problem. Sachets, like many other single-use plastics, are
typically made from non-recyclable materials, exacerbating the plastic pollution problem. Their small size also makes them prone to littering, with these sachets often ending up in rivers, oceans, and streets.
The challenge lies in finding a balance between affordability and environmental responsibility. While single-serving sachets may offer convenience and cost savings, their environmental footprint is undeniable. As consumers, it's essential to weigh the convenience of these products against their long-term impact on our planet.
In the battle against plastic pollution, it's not just about corporations changing their practices; it's also about consumer choices. Opting for products with minimal packaging or those offered in sustainable materials can make a significant difference. As we discuss the global issue of plastic pollution, we must also acknowledge the role of these seemingly harmless single-serving sachets and explore more responsible alternatives.
Source: Morales-Caselles, C., J. Viejo, E. Martí, E., … A. Cózar, 2021. An inshore-offshore sorting system revealed from global classification of ocean litter. Nature Sustainability. *Excludes nets
The Plastic Predicament: Statistics and Facts
To comprehend the gravity of the situation, let's start with some alarming statistics and facts::
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Every year, more than 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans.
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Plastic waste contaminates even the most remote corners of the planet, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks.
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Over 90% of seabirds have ingested plastic, mistaking it for food.
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Marine life, from majestic whales to tiny plankton, is ensnared by plastic debris, causing suffering and death.
- Research finds half of single-use plastic waste is roduced by 20 companies
Environmental Consequences
The environmental consequences of our plastic addiction are devastating. Plastic pollution disrupts marine ecosystems, damages coral reefs, and creates monstrous garbage patches like the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch. As plastics break down into microplastics, they contaminate the food chain, threatening species worldwide.
A seal trapped in a mat of plastic pollution. (Nels Israelson/Flickr), CC BY-NC
Plasic Pollution Effects on Wildlife
Our marine friends bear the brunt of our plastic excess. Sea turtles choke on plastic bags, seals and seabirds ingest deadly fragments, and fish ingest microplastics, which can eventually find their way to our dinner plates.
Human Health Implications of Plastic
The plastic crisis isn't just about marine life. Chemicals in plastics can leach into the environment, potentially affecting human health. These chemicals may disrupt hormones and have been linked to health issues ranging from cancer to reproductive problems.
Corporate and Consumer Solutions
The battle against plastic pollution is a collective one, involving both corporations and consumers. Here are some steps we can take:
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Changing Materials and Suppliers: Companies can transition to sustainable packaging materials and suppliers that prioritize eco-friendly options over convenience.
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Other Plastic Use in Businesses: Reducing plastic waste goes beyond packaging. Corporations can assess all aspects of their operations to identify opportunities for plastic reduction.
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Becoming a Plastic-Neutral Business: Some companies are taking the initiative to become plastic-neutral, meaning they remove as much plastic waste from the environment as they create. It's a step toward mitigating their plastic footprint.
The Oshen.Rx Commitment
One shining example of a company committed to ecological issues is Oshen.Rx. They've embraced minimal carbon footprint practices by using sustainable materials in packaging and manufacturing. Proving that corporate responsibility is achievable when it comes to corporate responsibility and eliminating or reducing plastic pollution that is detrimental to the environment. In our Capitalistic system corporations must take the lead in the path to make change. To give consumers a chance to make the right choice in what products to buy.
Conclusion
The plastic pollution crisis demands our immediate attention, advocacy, and a collective commitment to change. It's a battle for our environment, our wildlife, and our own well-being. By educating ourselves, fostering community discussions, and supporting companies with a passion for ecological issues like Oshen.Rx, we can advocate for global solutions and policies that address the pressing issue of plastic pollution. Together, we can turn the tide on this ecological catastrophe and strive for a world that's truly plastic-neutral, if not plastic-free. Tools such as film can be a powerful medium for activism. It has the power to transcend borders, sparking global conversations and encouraging local initiatives. It reminds us that we are all connected by this shared planet and a common responsibility to protect it.
Common Single Serving Packaging Used in the Supplement Industry
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Plastic Sachets: Sachets made of non-recyclable plastics are a major contributor to plastic waste, especially in regions with inadequate recycling facilities.
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Plastic Capsule Containers: Some supplement manufacturers use plastic containers for individual capsules, adding unnecessary plastic to the packaging.
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Plastic Wrappers for Gummies: Individual wrappers for gummy supplements are often made from non-recyclable plastic materials.
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Plastic Seals on Blister Packs: Blister packs may have plastic seals that are discarded after use, contributing to plastic pollution.
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Plastic Scoops: Some powdered supplements come with plastic scoops, which, if not reused or recycled, contribute to plastic waste.
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Plastic Lids and Seals: Plastic lids and seals on bottles and jars can be single-use and non-recyclable.
Addressing the environmental impact of such packaging and bringing awareness to the products we use can lead to increased efforts to find sustainable alternatives.
