Why Reuse?
The problem with single use...
We all live in a single-use economy. The goods we buy are sold in disposable packaging, as are the food and drinks we order when we’re out. In today’s throw-away society, it’s hard to go a single day without making waste. When we zoom out, the real scale of this problem is clear: About 10% of all wood harvested, 20% of all aluminum mined, 40% of all plastic created, and 50% of all glass produced is used to make single-use packaging, which we use for minutes before tossing. Consuming all of those materials not only produces a huge amount of waste - it also comes at a steep climate price: 44% of global climate emissions are associated with the production and consumption of materials, including products, packaging, and plastics.
Here in Maine, it’s estimated that 30 to 40% of the materials managed by our towns is packaging waste — costing Mainers substantial tax dollars while often ending up in landfills or incinerators. And plenty of packaging waste never lands in our waste stream, instead polluting our environment and waterways. In fact, up to 12 million metric tons of plastic and packaging across the globe enters our oceans each year — 89% of which is estimated to be single-use plastic. With over 5,000 miles of coastline and an economy that heavily depends upon our working waterfronts, Maine is uniquely susceptible to the hazards of marine debris — but it’s also well situated to take action in the fight against packaging waste!
But what about recycling?
While recycling is an important tool, it won’t solve our waste and climate crisis — particularly when it comes to plastics. Recycling takes energy and resources and still treats packaging and foodware as disposable. Even the most efficient forms of recycling involve breaking down materials and remanufacturing them.
In fact, it is estimated that to live within our planetary boundaries (per the International Panel on Climate Change), we need roughly a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the packaging sector. Unfortunately, even if every single American recycled — and that recycling were conducted flawlessly — we could only reduce GHG emissions from packaging by 31 percent.
...How about compostables?
Compostable packaging presents its own challenges: Compostables are often much more resource intensive to make than their plastic, single-use counterparts — including generating significantly more GHG emissions.
Most compostable foodware cannot be backyard composted, and industrial composting is not widely available. Because of this, compostable packaging is rarely actually composted — more often landing in landfills or incinerators, including here in Maine. Not the best news for businesses shelling out extra cash for compostables!
The Solution: Reuse
Reuse is the simple yet comprehensive solution that’s been right in front of us from the start: keeping packaging and foodware in use for as long as possible has the absolute best outcomes for the planet — and for people, too.
What is Reuse? Reuse is a system that circulates refillable and returnable packaging and food serviceware repeatedly for the same purpose, cleaning each item between uses. A reuse system prevents waste and reduces climate emissions and pollution by keeping valuable containers in circulation for as long as possible.
Why Reuse? Reuse beats single-use on every environmental and social metric, including greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, resource extraction, waste generation, litter and plastic pollution, and job creation. At scale, it’s estimated that reuse would eliminate 90% of packaging production and 80% of associated emissions.
When designed with equity and inclusion in mind, reuse systems create essential economic benefits through safe local jobs and business savings. That’s why all across North America and around the world, the reuse industry is growing exponentially — with 1150% growth in the number of reuse businesses since 2019.
What Else is Great About Reuse? Reusable packaging is also a major economic opportunity. The Ellen Macarthur Foundation estimates that converting just 20% of global plastic packaging would add $10 billion to the economy. Case studies have repeatedly demonstrated that local businesses can save money by switching to reusables, especially if they’re able to wash them onsite.
What’s more, reuse fits right in with the way we do things in Maine: use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. Many of us remember the days when milk, soda, beer, and other beverages were only available in reusable glass bottles; when it would be unimaginable to sit down at a restaurant and be served on paper or plastic; when bringing your own bag to the grocery store was the only way to shop; and when our children were served school lunches on real plates. Reusable packaging and foodware is a better experience for kids, customers, and communities — an experience we believe all Mainers deserve.