An open letter to businesses who opt for vast quantities of unnecessary plastic packaging, when sustainable alternatives are feasible and desirable:

To whom it may concern, 

I am writing as a member of the community who is very concerned about the environment. As we are all aware, climate change is the most pressing issue humanity faces and plastic pollution is one of the most pivotal environmental concerns.

Currently almost 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, of which only 20% is recycled. Approximately 150 million tonnes of plastic currently fill our oceans. Our unfortunate throwaway culture has resulted in single use plastic accounting for 40% of all plastics produced. These generally take a minimum of 400 years to break down. 

As plastic breaks down into micro-plastics, it releases the toxic chemicals used in its manufacturing. Chemicals such as Bisphenol A, which has been shown to have a major effect on the reproductive systems of animals and humans. 

These toxic and harmful micro-plastics are inevitably consumed by animals and of course by humans as well. Plastic pollution kills millions of animals every year. The National Geographic stated, “nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics.” Hundreds of aquatic creatures were found to contain micro plastics. Micro-plastics have even been found in the water we drink and floating through the air we breathe. 

Despite the detrimental impact this is having and will continue to have on all of our lives, industries and businesses are still choosing plastic as a method of packaging, where alternatives are feasible and desirable. However plastic is only cheap in the short term, as we all will inevitably be forced to pay in full for our lack of concern. 

As a consumer I plan to do what I can, by no longer purchasing items packaged in unnecessary plastic, and choosing instead, to give my business to company's and brands who use ethical and sustainable packaging. By doing this I hope to influence the chain of ‘supply and demand’, in the hopes that industries, brands and businesses, such as yourselves, who have the power to make a huge and positive impact, will opt for a more sustainable packaging.

Businesses such a Evian, McDonalds, Guinness and many others have pledged to switch exclusively to plastic alternatives or 100% recycled plastic. A report by the environmental law group, Client Earth, points out that businesses face serious risk of litigation from their involvement in creating plastic waste, and should therefore act urgently to reduce their plastic footprint to prevent reputational and material damage. This shows us that as well having a positive environmental impact, the elimination of plastic packaging positively impacts businesses as a whole. 

Glass, tin, cardboard, paper and wood are alternatives many large businesses have chosen to adopt as their new packaging. Many biodegradable plastics made of material such as seaweed, starch and hemp are also available. As well as recycled plastic. 

The petition below implores you to switch your product packaging to a more sustainable material. We all must do our part. Industries and businesses must adapt alongside their customers.  And we must all eliminate the mass production of unnecessary plastics and the mass pollution it causes. We must all do our part to protect our planet. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. 

Yours sincerely, 

Alix Bailey.