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Plastic Packaging: Health Hazards and Environmental Impacts
It's hard to write articles about plastic packaging and its effects on us all without feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. I promise not to be a Debbie Downer 😊
But talking about the true impacts of plastic waste helps us understand the power of our changes and why they really are worth it!
Plastic packaging isn't just a threat to our environment; it's also a looming danger to human health. The synthetic chemicals used in plastic production seep into our food and drinks, posing grave health risks. Moreover, the proliferation of microplastics in our surroundings raises concerns about respiratory, reproductive, and metabolic health issues.
As we grapple with the consequences of plastic packaging, it's crucial to recognize the dire implications it has for both our well-being and the planet. Reducing plastic usage not only curtails chemical exposure but also alleviates the microplastics crisis, thus averting potential health catastrophes in the future.
In this article, we shall dive into –
- How Big Is The Plastic Packaging Problem In The USA
- Exploring The True Costs Of Plastic Packaging
- Plastic Packaging Alternatives
- Tangie's Promise To Be Plastic-Free
How Big Is The Plastic Packaging Problem In The USA
The allure of plastic lies in its convenience and affordability, but the toll it exacts on our health and the environment is immeasurable. With a third of global plastic production earmarked for packaging alone, envisioning a world where sustainable alternatives replace plastic becomes imperative.
| What is Plastic Packaging Called? High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the most commonly utilized plastic for packaging. It is semi-transparent, durable, and resistant to chemicals and solvents. HDPE also exhibits excellent resistance to impact and wear, making it a reliable material for demanding applications. Additionally, its chemical resistance ensures durability when exposed to various solvents and corrosive substances, further enhancing its versatility across industries. |
Enter compostable packaging—a beacon of hope in our quest for sustainable solutions. Compostable materials not only combat plastic waste but also enrich soil nutrients upon decomposition, offering a holistic approach to environmental conservation.
For businesses like mine, committed to sustainability, adopting compostable packaging isn't just a trend—it's a testament to my truly being a tree hugger, aka steward to the environment. By making the switch, Tangie not only gets to truly tout plastic-free as a marketing tool, but the best part is how our compostable packaging expands to safeguard your health.
| Why Tangie Is Plastic Free?
Embracing sustainable packaging isn't merely an act of corporate responsibility; it's a proactive measure to safeguard both our planet and our health. My company's actions affect me and the ones I love. Years ago, I knew the time to act was now, and the choices I would make then would shape my world tomorrow. |
Plastic Packaging Problem In The USA
Plastic packaging has become one of the fastest-growing and most problematic components of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States. In 2018 alone, Americans generated 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging (about 5 % of total MSW), yet only 1.98 million tons of that were recycled (13.6 %), while 10.09 million tons (69.5 %) ended up in landfills and 2.46 million tons (16.9 %) were combusted for energy recovery.
Overall, the U.S. generated 32 million tons of plastic waste that same year, recycling just 8 % of it and relegating roughly 76 % to landfills or incineration as per Congress.gov
Such low diversion rates have real-world consequences for our landscapes. Plastic items that aren't properly contained escape waste-collection systems, litter roadsides, clog storm drains, and degrade into microplastics that accumulate in soils. The EPA estimates that over 82 million tons of containers and packaging alone are sent to U.S. landfills each year—nearly a third of all municipal trash.
Exploring the True Costs of Plastic Packaging
The ramifications of plastic packaging extend far beyond environmental degradation—they pose a grave threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The sheer volume of plastic waste inundating our oceans and landfills paints a grim picture of our unsustainable consumption habits.
With an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually, the scale of the crisis is staggering. Despite the illusion of recyclability perpetuated by recycling symbols, a mere 9% of plastic packaging gets recycled, exacerbating our global plastic predicament.
Plastic's ubiquity stems from its low production costs, durability, and versatility. I get that! From a manufacture's perspective, the consume wants affordable options and reducing the manufacturing costs is paramount to the supply chain.
However, these very attributes underpin its catastrophic environmental impact. The disposable mentality supported by cheap production costs has led to a culture of waste, while plastic's durability ensures its persistence in ecosystems for centuries.
Plastic packaging feels cheap at the checkout aisle, but its true costs run far deeper—for your wallet, the planet, and your health.
Consumer Costs
On the surface, single-use plastics are click-and-buy convenient and often priced lower than bulk or refillable alternatives. Over time, though, continuously repurchasing disposable pouches and bottles can cost more per ounce of product than concentrates, bar soaps, or refill stations. Hidden fees, like extra taxes on landfill disposal and municipal recycling programs, also get passed to taxpayers.
Environmental Costs
Every year, the U.S. pours tens of millions of tons of plastic into landfills; unchecked, that waste lingers for centuries, releasing greenhouse gases as it degrades. Mismanaged litter clogs waterways, harms wildlife, and generates microplastics that contaminate soil and oceans.
The carbon footprint of producing, transporting, and disposing of plastic packaging rivals that of entire nations' waste sectors.
Health Costs
Many plastics contain additives—bisphenols, phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors—that can leach into food and beverages, especially when containers heat up. Long-term exposure links to hormone imbalances, reproductive issues, and even certain cancers. Microplastic particles, now detected in tap water and sea salt, carry unknown health risks when ingested.
Swapping to reusable, refillable, or zero-waste packaging isn't just eco-friendly—it's a savvy investment in your health and budget, and a crucial step toward reducing a plastic footprint that costs us all far more than the sticker price.
Plastic Packaging Alternatives You Must Know In 2025
| Alternative | Material Source | Description | Key Benefit | Limitation | References |
|---|
| Reuse & Refill Systems | Glass, stainless steel, durable plastics | Consumers return or refill durable containers at stores or via mail-back programs, cutting single-use waste. | Cuts packaging production by up to 90 % and emissions by 80 % Reuters | Requires robust collection logistics and consumer behavior change. | Reuters |
| PLA (Polylactic Acid) | Corn starch, sugarcane | A bio-based plastic that's industrially compostable; used for cups, cutlery, and films. | Lower carbon footprint than PET; compatible with existing equipment. | Needs high-temperature industrial composting; may contaminate recycling streams. | Packaging Bee |
| PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) | Bacterial fermentation of plant sugars | Fully biodegradable plastics that break down in marine and soil environments. | Marine-safe biodegradation; broad end-of-life options. | Production cost remains higher than conventional plastics. | ft.com |
| Bagasse (Sugarcane Fiber) | Waste fiber from sugarcane processing | Molded into trays, bowls, and clamshells; naturally compostable at home or in industrial settings. | Uses agricultural by-product; widely compostable. | Limited moisture and grease resistance unless coated. | Metrobi |
| Mycelium (Mushroom) | Fungal root networks grown on agricultural waste | Grown into custom shapes for protective packaging; fully compostable in weeks. | Low-energy production; home-compostable. | Scale-up and consistent performance are still under development. | sustainabilitymag.com |
| Seaweed & Algae Films | Brown/red seaweed or microalgae | Thin, flexible films for pouches and sachets; edible or home-compostable alternatives. | Edible option reduces waste; fast marine degradation. | Water sensitivity; currently higher price point. | WikipediaNelis Global |
| Water-based Paper Packaging | Recycled paperboard with water-based inks | Paper cartons, wrappers, and labels printed with non-toxic, water-based inks. |
Packaging alternatives are racing to keep pace with the drive towards less plastic in their packaging in 2025. Focus on reuse and refill systems as material reduction is the biggest impact, with emissions easily going offline.
When Tangie Stepped Away For Plastic Packaging
When I started the actual Tangie business in 2012, all the products I made by hand were liquid and filled into plastic bottles. When the bottle waste became too much, I decided a huge change was needed if I would continue this business.
This article highlights many of these are the reasons I opted to eliminate plastic bottles from Tangie natural laundry detergent, natural solid shampoo bars, round conditioner bars, and even formulate the best pet shampoo bar! [shameless plug]
Honestly, around the time of committing to become a plastic-free company, we didn't have the type of access to the details we do today, from the scientific journals to the latest environmental documentaries. My actions back then are even further supported by what I know today. It took several years, and lots of money, to reformulate Tangie liquid products into a solid form to eliminate the need for plastic bottles and plastic packaging, but has been worth it!
I want to THANK YOU for choosing to use Tangie natural household cleaning and body products to reduce your exposure to chemicals and help further reduce the number of plastic bottles which end up in landfills and the ocean.
Gratefully, Angie Ringler
