MCC Daily Tribune

Green Tip: Ditch the Plastic Baggies

Sure, popping that sandwich into a resealable zipper storage plastic bag is super easy, but are you throwing one of those bags into the trash every day? According to the UN Environment Programme, “Approximately 36 per cent of all plastics produced are used in packaging, including single-use plastic products for food and beverage containers, approximately 85 per cent of which ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste.” In the United States, about 85% of plastic waste went to landfills according to a 2022 Smithsonian Magazine article. 

Consider using a more sustainable option - dishwasher safe sandwich boxes, Japanese Bento boxes or one of the several stainless-steel lunch boxes that are plastic free, ocean friendly and nontoxic. There is even an eco-friendly snack and sandwich bag alternative made from cotton with a food safe/medical grade waterproof liner available. Even just switching to one of the plastic containers you have at home that you will reuse daily is a good step in supporting sustainability. When that container needs replacing, be sure to recycle it appropriately and consider buying a more sustainable replacement. 

Ann Penwarden
Sustainability Steering Committee
03/12/2024