Unwrapping the issue: why waste packaging matters to students at the University of Edinburgh 

In the hustle and bustle of student life, it's easy to overlook the mountain of packaging that accompanies our daily purchases. 

From snacks to textbooks, nearly everything we buy comes wrapped in layers of plastic, cardboard, and other materials. 

However, the environmental impact of waste packaging is substantial, and as students, we all have a responsibility to care about the consequences of our consumption habits. 

In this blog, we'll delve into the issue of waste packaging, its environmental implications, and why it's essential for students to take action.
‍

The big ole “P” problem 

Packaging serves essential functions, such as protecting products during transportation and storage and providing information to consumers. 

However, the excessive use of packaging, particularly single-use plastics, has led to a global waste crisis. 

Packaging waste contributes to pollution of land, waterways, and oceans, harming wildlife and ecosystems. 

Furthermore, packaging waste does the antithesis of enabling a circular economy. 
‍

Environmental impacts of packaging waste

There are various ways our packaging is contributing to the global waste problem. The problem is that most of these implications don’t always meet the eye. 
‍

Number one: plastic pollution

Not to worry if you are confused as to which plastics are recyclable or not. As mentioned on the University of Edinburgh website, this is what you can do with the following materials: 

Plastic packaging, packing material, plastic bottles, plastic pots and other plastics are definitely reusable (but not always recyclable, so have a look at the table below for more details).

Recyclable materials include: packaging films, rinsed out milk bottles, empty drinks bottles, clean salad trays, rinsed out margarine tubs, plastic bread bags, plastic bags from cereals, plastic wrappers from multi packs of cans and plastic bottles, plastic wrappers from toilet roll and kitchen roll, plastic freezer bags, plastic bags, plastic magazine and newspaper wrap, bubble wrap

Not recyclable (so use very sparingly!):  crisp packets, sweet wrappers, polystyrene, hard and rigid plastics (e.g. window frames, pipes, drums or other non-bulky compact plastic items), containers with food residues, hazardous material (e.g. paint tins or bleach bottles), bioplastics, microwaveable meal trays,  plastic packaging strapping, any non-polyethylene film e.g. polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cling film, food and drink pouches, film lids from food trays. 

Number two: resource depletion

The production of packaging materials, including plastics, paper, and metals, requires significant amounts of natural resources, such as fossil fuels, water, and minerals. 

Extracting and processing these resources contributes to habitat destruction, deforestation, and depletion of freshwater sources, further exacerbating environmental problems.
‍

Number three: exacerbating waste management challenges

Managing packaging waste presents logistical challenges for municipalities and waste management facilities. 

Landfilling and incineration of packaging waste contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
‍

Why students like you should care

Future impact on the current world and beyond: As the future leaders, innovators, and consumers of society, students have a stake in shaping a more sustainable future. 

By adopting environmentally conscious habits and advocating for sustainable practices, we can influence industry norms and drive positive change.

Reducing packaging waste can also lead to financial savings for students (who doesn’t want a few extra quid in their pockets to put towards a pint with friends in Old Town right?!)
‍

Advocacy is key! 

Raising awareness about packaging waste and advocating for sustainable packaging policies and practices within your university, community, and beyond does wonders for campus morale! 

A little goes a long way, and if you feel like you aren’t doing enough on campus.. chances are you have inspired someone you may not know about!

In addition, try to support  initiatives that promote extended producer responsibility and encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging alternatives.

A great example of this is purchasing a Keep Cup from uni to then use for all your beverage needs! 

P.S. You can also track this as an action on Pawprint!
‍

Final remarks 

Waste packaging is a pressing environmental issue that affects us all, and as students, we have a vital role to play in addressing it. 

By raising awareness, adopting sustainable consumption habits, and advocating for change, we can reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. 

Let's unwrap the issue of waste packaging and take meaningful action to protect our planet for future generations.

Passionate about sustainability and bringing others along with you? Apply to be a Sustainability Champion with the University of Edinburgh! (Only open to current faculty and students). 

Psst...still unsure of what “sustainability” actually means? No problem, sometimes these concepts can use a deeper explanation! Why not try enrolling in the Introduction to Sustainability course at the University of Edinburgh for a start. 

‍

‍