Rethinking Packaging: A Path to Sustainability
"There is no such thing as 'away.' When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere."
-Annie Leonard, co-executive director of Greenpeace-USA
Cream Bean Berry founder Katie Burford
In the heart of Durango, Colorado, 4CORE Green-Certified business owner and Cream Bean Berry founder Katie Burford faced a challenge: how to serve up delicious, homemade artisanal ice cream while minimizing her environmental impact. This dilemma led her to explore sustainable alternatives to single-use, throwaway containers and cutlery.
Burford's quest highlights a broader issue in our community and beyond. As we strive for sustainability, the packaging question – particularly in the food and beverage industry – becomes increasingly crucial. How can we enjoy our favorite treats without contributing to the mounting waste problem?
The Packaging Predicament
Initially, Burford turned to what seemed like eco-friendly options: wooden spoons and home-compostable cups. However, customer feedback and practical considerations quickly revealed the complexities of sustainable packaging. Even "compostable" bioplastics posed challenges, requiring specific industrial facilities for proper breakdown – facilities often absent in local composting setups.
This scenario isn't unique to Cream Bean Berry. Many businesses grapple with similar issues, highlighting a fundamental problem in our approach to packaging and waste. The traditional linear economic model – extract, produce, use, discard – is inherently wasteful and unsustainable.
Shifting to a Circular Economy
The solution lies in transitioning to a circular economy model. This approach, championed by organizations like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, focuses on three key principles:
Eliminating waste and pollution
Circulating products and materials
Regenerating natural systems
In the context of packaging, this means moving away from single-use items and towards reusable, recyclable, or truly compostable alternatives. It's about designing products with their entire lifecycle in mind, from production to reuse or responsible disposal.
The Rise of Sustainable Packaging
Innovative companies worldwide are already leading the charge in sustainable packaging:
EcoEnclose offers eco-friendly shipping solutions using recycled materials.
Genecis turns food waste into biodegradable PHA bioplastics.
Notpla creates 100% natural, biodegradable packaging from seaweed and plants.
Ecovative Design uses mushroom roots to make fully compostable packaging.
These examples show that with creativity and commitment, we can develop packaging solutions that protect both products and the planet.
The Reusables Revolution
Perhaps the most promising trend in sustainable packaging is the comeback of reusables. Studies show that reuse models significantly benefit the environment, consumers, and businesses.
Companies like RePack, Loop, and various food service businesses are pioneering reusable packaging systems. These range from returnable shipping containers to refillable product packaging and reusable restaurant takeaway containers.
Bringing Sustainability Home: The BringIt! Initiative
Inspired by these global trends, Durango is taking its own steps towards sustainable packaging. The BringIt! initiative, born from a collaboration between Cream Bean Berry, Sustainable Durango, Sew Alpine, and WeFill, encourages locals and visitors to bring their own cups, bags, and utensils when ordering to-go from local restaurants.
This community-wide campaign is more than just a marketing effort – it's a step towards creating a circular economy in Durango. By reducing single-use waste and promoting reusable alternatives, BringIt! is helping our community rethink its relationship with packaging and waste.
The Path Forward
As we confront the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, rethinking our approach to packaging is crucial. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, some key principles can guide us:
Prioritize reusable options whenever possible.
Choose materials with lower environmental impacts.
Support businesses and initiatives that promote sustainable packaging.
Advocate for policies that encourage circular economy practices.
For businesses, this might mean exploring reusable container programs or investing in truly compostable packaging. For consumers, it could be as simple as remembering to bring your own cup or container when getting takeout.
Join the Movement
The transition to sustainable packaging isn't just about protecting the environment – it's about creating a more resilient, responsible, and innovative local economy. By supporting initiatives like BringIt! and making conscious choices about the products we buy and how they're packaged, we can all play a part in building a more sustainable future for Durango and beyond.
4CORE Green-Certified Business Cream Bean Berry
4CORE: Empowering Green Businesses
4CORE offers a comprehensive Green Business Certification Program for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts in packaging and in other areas. This program is designed to guide local businesses in becoming more environmentally friendly and efficient.
The Green Business Certification process is straightforward and manageable, providing businesses with:
A comprehensive assessment of their current practices.
A straightforward certification process with step-by-step guidance.
Recommendations for increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Recognition for their sustainability efforts.
Enrolling in the program allows businesses to access our 4CORE staff, who can provide personalized support, including a free one-hour walk-through and consultation. Certified green businesses are also recognized annually at 4CORE's Sustainable Business Awards, celebrating their commitment to sustainability and positive community impact.
Take Action Today
Ready to get involved? Here are some steps you can take:
Start by bringing your own reusable containers next time you're out, and encourage your favorite local businesses to explore sustainable packaging options.
If you're a business owner, consider enrolling in 4CORE's Green Business Certification Program to take your sustainability efforts to the next level.
Support local initiatives like BringIt! that promote sustainable practices in our community.
Remember, every small action counts. Let's rethink packaging, reduce waste, and build a cleaner, greener Durango – one reusable container and one certified green business at a time!
For more information on BringIt!, 4CORE's Green Business Certification Program, and other local business sustainability initiatives, visit 4CORE's Green Business page or contact colleen@fourcore.org.
An earlier version of this article appeared at Live Creative Studio.