GlobalSpa
12-Jul-2019
Photo by stijn from Pexels
Keeping in mind the devastating effects of plastic waste in our environment, corporates and people have taken various initiatives towards the cause. But, did you know about the steps taken by the big corporations towards a plastic-free world? As we head in No Plastic July, it’s important that we take a look into what changes are brought in for the betterment of the environment by the big name corporations. From banning disposable plastic items to using new waste prevention technologies, these companies are definitely doing their part in moving towards a more sustainable future. Starbucks Straw Ban
Credits: lifeasahuman.com
Starbucks has decided to take a stance against the use of plastic straws. National Geographic states that currently around 8.3 billion plastic straws are polluting oceans and beaches globally, causing harm to sea creatures such as turtles who ingest them or get them stuck in their nasal passages. Despite receiving criticism that just banning straws does not make a big enough impact, Starbucks is helping lead the plastic-free revolution. Nestle Plastic Free Packaging
Credits: Photo by Nestlé on Flickr
Nestle has now developed a new paper technology that can be used to wrap food items such as fruit and protein bars. Unlike previous attempts to use paper in place of plastics for food packaging, this new wrapper can be manufactured in the same high-speed circumstances as plastic and has a shelf life of 9 months. Paper, which is decomposable, can be used to revolutionize plastic usage in food packaging, especially considering that according to the UN 300 million tonnes of plastic enters and pollutes the ocean every year. PepsiCo Plastic Bottle Ban
Credits: American International School of Bucharest
Plastic water bottles, which have become a convenient staple in most people’s lives, are sold at an alarming rate of one million bottles per minute. Considering the fact that 91% of these bottles are not recycled, as stated by Forbes, the corporation PepsiCo has taken matters into their own hands and decided to stop using plastic bottles. Rather, they will be switching to aluminum cans, preventing the sales of millions and millions of disposable plastic bottles. Olay Refillable Containers In a step towards lowering their production waste, Olay is testing out refillable containers for the creams. P&G, who own the brand, stated- if the company can convert 5 million jars of Olay skin cream to refillable versions, it could save more than 1 million pounds of plastic. Uniqlo Paper Bags
Credits: Toni Marino
On average, a person only uses their plastic bag for about 12 minutes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 500 billion- 1 trillion of these bags are being used per year, with very few being recycled. Since these plastic bags end up polluting the Earth for thousands of years, companies like Uniqlo have decided to take action and switch from plastic to paper bags worldwide. The first of what is sure to be many, Uniqlo is taking an important first step in the eradication of single use plastic. Corona Waste Payment
Credits: Oceanic Global
With risks such as the fact that by 2050, the World Economic Forum claims that there will likely be more plastic in the ocean than fish, Corona is one of many brands that has decided to take action. The famous beer brand accepted plastic waste as a form of payment on ‘World Oceans Day,’ collecting the waste to recycle it. During this ‘No Plastic July’ it is important for us to acknowledge and draw inspiration from the corporations that are using their power for the betterment of the environment and the progress of the world into a most sustainable era.
