Earth Day 2022: Environmentally Friendly Tips You Can Use Every Day

Since 1970, Earth Day raises awareness about air pollution, climate change, and deeper environmental issues. With 174+ countries participating each year, Earth Day is known as the world's largest secular observance, with over a billion people from all over the world participating in a day of action and change.

As the effects of climate change become more obvious every day, the struggle for a clean environment is becoming increasingly urgent, especially in the packaging industry. For example, the production of plastics results in harmful carbon monoxide and other undesired organic chemicals being released into our environment. With the current rate of damage, consequences include the possibility of having more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050.

Unfortunately, many modern packaging goods are meant to be single-use and are frequently discarded once they've fulfilled their function. This implies that the majority of packaging is abandoned or buried in a landfill. At Trinity Packaging Supply, we want to make a difference every day, not just on Earth Day. Here are two environmentally-friendly tips that you can do today to make a difference in the environment every day.

1. Recycle

Yes. What might seem like the most obvious choice to help the environment is one we lack the most. Recycling saves energy, conserves natural resources, and decreases pollution. Recycled aluminum, for example, is a particularly valuable resource; recycling accounts for about 40% of the U.S aluminum supply, but we still throw away nearly $1 billion worth of aluminum cans every year. Just imagine... recycling a single aluminum can saves energy. That means that a 12-pack of soda can save enough energy to power a typical passenger car for 3+ miles. Now, what if 100% of aluminum cans were recycled in the U.S.? The answer is quite amazing. Up to 4.1 million homes can be powered for a full year by the amount of energy saved.

These are just a few of many examples of how recycling can make an impact just by re-using your everyday items as well as taking advantage of recyclable products such as corrugated boxes.

2. Repurpose

With modern technology, more companies have been able to make an impact by finding innovative ways to make items from 100% recycled materials. For example, some children's toys are made from recycled milk jugs or shoes can be made from sheep wool. Doing your part can really make a difference including bringing your own bag while you shop. With that in mind, there are many ways to take advantage of the recyclable products out there and constantly reuse them to reduce your carbon footprint. The shift towards sustainability will continue to be a growing trend as we are conscious of where we decide to spend our money.

For more tips on ways to help our environment, check out our blog, The Shift Toward Sustainability: Why Biodegradable Materials Matter.