Holiday Season Stressor: The Garbage Can's Christmas
Once again, the holiday season rolls around, and this year, it seems like our homes are being invaded by towering piles of packaging. The convenience of online shopping during this joyous time of year comes with a side of waste paper and plastic that's not exactly jolly for our environment.
According to the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA), the rise in mail-order business and small packaged gifts resulted in an impressive 18.8 million tons of packaging waste in German households in 2020 alone. But it's not just the volume that's concerning, as the experts say that holiday seasons see up to 20-30% more waste than the rest of the year.
That's where companies like Tchibo and Otto step in, experimenting with reusable shipping bags as an alternative. While these bags might not be a miracle cure, they do offer a promising start. Consumers can order gifts online and receive them in a reusable bag made from 70% recycled plastic. The best part? There's no additional cost to the consumer.
Tchibo's initial projects have seen returns of 81 and 75% following customer trials, which are impressive metrics for such a novel concept. However, challenges remain, particularly in finding a solution to the sticky label problem that results in lengthy removal times and leftover adhesive residue.
In an ideal world, once reusable bags have served their purpose, they could be collected for recycling, creating a closed-loop cycle. Reusable packaging could become a legitimate contender in the quest to reduce waste this holiday season.
However, until we truly overcome the logistical hurdles and fine-tune the design, we must still rely on our own efforts. According to the UBA, the key is to focus on what and how much we buy, rather than where or how, to minimize waste. By considering the longevity of our gifts and opting for reusable packaging, we can all make a difference this holiday season.
Tips for Sustainable(ish) Gift-giving:
- Choose eco-friendly gifts with longevity in mind.
- Use reusable packaging for gifts instead of wasteful wrapping paper.
- Support companies that prioritize environmental sustainability and package their products responsibly.
- Make an effort to recycle packaging waste diligently.
This holiday season, let's do our part to reduce waste in our own way, and perhaps one day, we might see a Christmas that's a little more environmentally friendly.
