January is International Zero Waste Month, and many organisations like GAIA, Zero Waste Europe, and Zero Waste Asia are highlighting the impact of widespread use of single-use materials on our planet and health. This month is an opportunity to rethink how we produce, use and dispose of single-use materials, including the harmful chemicals they can contain.

“Zero waste is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning, and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health”

 – Definition of Zero Waste as adopted by the Zero Waste International Alliance

Many types of disposable packaging, such as those made from plastic, paper, and card, can contain harmful chemicals. For example, certain plastic packaging can contain substances like phthalates and bisphenols, and paper and card packaging can be treated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

When these materials are thrown away, incinerated or buried in landfill, they can leach toxic substances into the environment. In addition, if the packaging is used for food and beverages, chemicals can leach out of the packaging into what we’re eating and drinking.

Our global waste system is burdened by the presence of harmful chemicals in products, making them difficult to recycle and reuse without causing further harm to consumers. In addition, recycled plastics can contain higher levels of hazardous chemicals than virgin plastics. We need effective policies that prevent the use of hazardous chemicals in packaging materials, as well as infrastructure that supports zero-waste systems from the ground up.

In the meantime, there are some steps we can take to reduce our use of such materials and instead opt for reusable products that are better for our health and the planet! Here are some of our top swaps to make:

1. 1. Single-use packaging may contain harmful chemicals that leach into food and drink. For example, PFAS have been found in sandwich wrappers and bags for. Where possible, avoid purchasing food in single-use packaging.
   2. When storing your food at home, swap plastic containers for glass or stainless steel. Plastic containers can leach harmful chemicals like bisphenols into food when heated.
   3. Instead of buying produce packaged in plastic, choose loose fruit and vegetables when possible.
   4. If there is a bulk store in your local area, switch to this over a conventional supermarket. These allow you to refill your own containers, for example, for foods like pulses, pasta, rice, and nuts, reducing the need for single-use packaging.
   5. Cut down on the takeaways. Some takeaway food packaging contains harmful chemicals – including takeaway coffee cups. Swap a takeaway cup for a reusable stainless steel one or sit in to enjoy your coffee!
   6. Swap to stainless steel water bottles, as many reusable plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols into your drink.

For more information and advice, check out our webpage on food, food packaging and cooking.

However, the burden should not fall on the consumer to avoid harmful chemicals. That is why CHEM Trust continues to call for the most harmful chemicals to be restricted, including those used in materials that come into contact with food and drink. For more information on chemicals of concern in plastics, see our plastics webpage.

Read more news.