Hey there folks,

This post is off topic for what we would normally write about (tea) but it's important because whilst the impact may not seem obvious, how we shop online or in store generates a fair amount of waste, which typically ends up in landfill.

Why is this important to you? 

As a consumer you have a choice.

The more consumers who make eco friendly packaging a part of their decision making process to purchase a product will by large, push retailers to become more responsible.

When you shop, single use plastic bags are out, now why are they not doing this with ecommerce? The more people who demand environmentally conscious packaging from ecommerce brands, the faster it will become the norm.

Today I wanted to share some information about how to reduce landfill as a consumer, because this topic is dear to me as an ecommerce business we are faced with choices - daily.

Sometimes the choices are hard and sometimes easy. But the rule of thumb for our decision making comes down to two things.

How does what we sell, pack and send impact landfill?

What can we do to reduce the amount of landfill that accumulates?

The first thing we can do as ecommerce brands is to choose sustainable, wise eco friendly packaging. It's not as cheap as the landfill stuff, but heck it's way better.

We teamed up with a couple of local Australian suppliers who provide to us a range of products we can use when preparing and selling your teas. For example, when you receive your delivery in the post it will be in a compostable eco friendly satchel, you can add to the garden it will decompose.

The stickers and labels are also compostable, as are the sticky tape, wrapping paper and tissue paper.

The zip lock slim line bags which your tea is packed in are fully recyclable and when done correctly are made into new items for a second life. Alternatively, you can reuse them at home for holding spices and tea leaves.

Now down to the serious stuff...... 

How to Reduce Landfill as a Consumer

Waste from many first world countries is shipped to third world countries to be sorted and recycled, but often end up destroying the local environment. How can that be good? These poorer countries are desperate for money and they accept this waste because they see no other choice.

The amount of landfill that's accumulating daily, globally is frightening.

The second issue, reducing waste by using eco-friendly packaging, is essential for preserving our planet. The amount of waste we generate is a significant contributor to environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and depletion of natural resources. By using eco-friendly packaging, we can reduce the amount of waste we generate and lessen our impact on the environment.

While these two goals may seem daunting, there are many simple steps we can take to achieve them. By making small changes in our daily habits, such as reading food labels, choosing natural sweeteners, and using eco-friendly packaging, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a better future for all.

United States - Landfill Figures

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of municipal solid waste generated in the United States was 292.4 million tons in 2018, with 146.1 million tons (50.1%) ending up in landfills. Landfills are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which can have a negative impact on the environment and contribute to climate change.

By reducing waste and diverting it from landfills through practices such as recycling, composting, and using eco-friendly packaging, we can reduce our impact on the environment and help build a more sustainable future.

Australia - Landfill Figures

According to the National Waste Report 2020 published by the Australian government, in 2018-19, Australia generated an estimated 76 million tonnes of waste, of which 42 million tonnes (55%) was disposed of to landfill.

The report also noted that the amount of waste generated per person has been increasing, with Australians producing 2.2 tonnes of waste per capita in 2018-19, up from 2.1 tonnes in 2016-17. By reducing waste and diverting it from landfills through practices such as recycling, composting, and using eco-friendly packaging, Australia can reduce its impact on the environment and move towards a more sustainable future.

India - Landfill Statistics

According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates around 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) every year, with only about 43 million tonnes (roughly 70%) of it being collected and less than 30% being treated. As a result, a significant amount of waste ends up in landfills, causing environmental degradation and health hazards.

Worldwide Landfill

According to the Global Waste Management Outlook 2015 report by the United Nations, the world generates over 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, and this is projected to increase by 70% by 2050. Furthermore, it is estimated that only 13.5% of global waste is recycled, while 33% is treated in an environmentally safe manner, and the remaining 53.5% is discarded in landfills, open dumps, or the environment.

The report highlights the urgent need to reduce waste generation and improve waste management practices worldwide to minimize the negative environmental and health impacts associated with waste disposal. To achieve this goal, the report recommends a shift towards a circular economy, where waste is seen as a valuable resource that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, rather than something to be discarded. By adopting a circular economy approach and implementing sustainable waste management practices, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Practical Steps to Reduce Landfill as a Consumer

As a consumer, there are several ways you can help reduce landfill waste. Here are some tips:

1. Reduce the amount of waste you generate: One of the most effective ways to reduce landfill waste is to produce less waste in the first place. You can do this by buying products with minimal packaging, using reusable bags, containers, and water bottles, and avoiding single-use products.

2. Recycle: Recycling is a crucial way to reduce landfill waste. Make sure to properly sort and recycle materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals.

3. Compost: Composting is a great way to reduce organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste. This can be done in a backyard compost bin or by using a municipal composting service.

4. Donate and reuse: Before throwing away items, consider if they could be donated or reused by someone else. Clothing, furniture, and household items can often be donated to charities or sold online.

5. Choose eco-friendly products: Look for products that are made from recycled materials, biodegradable, or are environmentally friendly.

6. Educate others: Spread awareness about the importance of reducing landfill waste and encourage others to adopt these habits.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste you contribute to landfills and help protect the environment.

Please share this article online and let's start talking about how we can all make better choices.