The previous Green Xpectations post focused on the packaging of single-serve condiments. The current topic is related but is with regard to the packaging of a host of snack products, including chips, cookies, candy, and many others. Such items are readily available at almost any type of store and are often included as part of the menu or available for purchase at many meetings, conferences, sporting events, and other activities.
Much of the packaging of snack wrappers and bags is made up of a mix of recyclable materials such as plastic, tin, aluminum, and others. The problem is that when you mix them together, they are extremely time-consuming and expensive to separate so that they can be recycled. So no matter how tempted you are to recycle your empty Doritos bag along with your other plastic bags, it should go in the trash. In fact, if you do throw a used chip or other nonrecyclable bag or wrapper in with recyclable plastic bags, the entire lot may be deemed contaminated and therefore end up in the landfill.
There is one positive development regarding packaging made from mixed materials that has recently become available. Not that I am condoning the purchase of snacks stored in nonrecyclable packaging, but the packaging from a select number of companies can be recycled through a company called Terracycle; you just need to print a free shipping label, collect the items in a box, and mail them in. Supposedly, you will also earn points for every pound of material recycled. This service is only available for a select number of snack-related companies, including Takis, Little Bites, Late July, and Off the Eaten Path. A full list of companies for which this service is available through Terracycle can be found here. This may be a potential option for those of you, like myself, who at the moment may not be able to completely let go of purchasing such snacks. I should also say that the hot sauce packets provided by Taco Bell can also be recycled through Terracycle.
Given the information above, the best alternative for increasing your own sustainability as well as the sustainability of a meeting or event you are planning is to avoid offering snacks or dessert items that come in any type of plastic packaging (i.e., wrappers and bags).
Objective
During the next few weeks, focus on purchasing snacks that do not come in plastic bags or wrappers. Good examples include unpackaged snacks, such fruits and vegetables, and any snack that comes in a glass container or FSC-certified (should show the letters FSC near the bottom of the package) paper packaging.
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