New Report Highlights Environmental and Health Impacts of Single-Use Food Packaging

Single-use food packaging is taking a huge toll on our environment while also causing a variety of health problems. As our landfills and waterways clog with plastic bags, Styrofoam food containers, disposable coffee cups and more, it’s clear that what once seemed like an unimaginably wonderful convenience has become something else: a massive, eternal pile of garbage left not just in our ocean waters and landfills but, as it turns out, inside of our very bodies.

Companies and communities are starting to wake up — whether motivated by true concern or by the realization that their customers are fed up with unnecessary waste. A major beer company just announced it will be selling six-packs held together with cardboard instead of plastic. A beloved supermarket chain has committed to changing the way they package their fresh produce. Cities and states are banning plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam takeout containers. Everyone is starting to get it: plastic never goes away.

Take Action

We are pairing the release of this report with a pledge: to say no to single-use plastic in food and beverage packaging. While it might not be possible to eliminate personal use entirely, there are simple swaps you can make — including, in some cases just declaring a polite ”no thanks!”

We invite you to read the report, to take the pledge and to be a part of a future of food packaging that is better for people and better for the planet.