The plastic and oil industries as well as the companies that swear by this material created a demand that surpasses consumption alone; they created a lifestyle around plastic. Plastic is cheap, light, and flexible; it is a true revolution and a solution for companies to reduce both their packaging and transportation costs. Plastic has become a daily item of convenience. Our generation has grown busier than ever. Work, outdoor activities, social events, video games, workout classes, kids’ activities, etc. We are the “never stop moving, doing” generation. There is always something going on. And the plastic industry made sure they would be here to help make our lives easier in these busy times.

Pre-packaged meal, cut fruit, fresh vegetables, yogurt, milk, eggs, butter, meat, fish, frozen meals, all packaged in plastics, even our strawberries, cauliflower, apples are packaged in plastics. We buy cereal stored in plastic stored in cartons. We store leftovers in plastic or cover our bowls with plastic. We put sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, and snacks, in plastic. We drink water in plastic bottles, eat take out in plastic containers. Our face creams, shower gel, shampoo, and all other beauty products are in plastic. Not to mention all our household products, which are also in plastic containers.

These products are fast-moving products and don’t need to be in plastics. Unfortunately, as consumers, it is sometimes impossible to find the products we want without plastic packaging. For instance, strawberries are 90% of the time in plastic packaging. You may find them at the farmer’s market without plastic, or at a local store like Lazy Acres.

Plastic is extremely convenient, and if it wasn’t for its ability to pollute our planet (through fossil fuel extraction, manufacturing and improper disposal), I would think it is one of the best inventions of all times. Buy, use, toss. Repeat.

We can reduce our plastic use but we need all stakeholders to act:

1. Governmental entities (cities, states, and country) need to enact new laws, restrictions and incentives to stay away from plastic packaging.
2. Corporations need to rethink packaging and invest in sustainable solutions that incorporate the principle of circular economy.
3. Customers need to refuse and buy less. It is simple economics. If there is less or no demand of plastic items, the supply will have to decrease. And what seems to be an expensive alternative to plastic now will become more affordable for all later.