Household waste increases by 25% during the holidays, much of it driven by unnecessary plastic packaging, according to a Vermont report urging consumers to avoid wasteful and toxic plastics.
Pat Bradley reports for WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
In short:
- The Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) released a guide to reduce excessive plastic packaging and toxic plastic products during the holidays.
- Black plastic kitchen utensils can contain harmful flame retardants, which can be avoided by using silicone or wooden alternatives.
- VPIRG recommends avoiding over-packaged produce and switching to reusable coffee pods to reduce waste and save money.
Key quote:
“We are the only state to require that companies report their use of toxic chemicals in children’s products. However, that database is very difficult to use.”
— Paul Burns, VPIRG executive director
Why this matters:
Plastic waste and toxic materials harm the environment and pose risks to human health. Reducing plastic use during high-waste periods like the holidays can limit pollution and push companies toward sustainable practices.
Related: Rethinking plastic usage: simple steps toward sustainability
