Reduce Plastic Packaging - Write and Request It

If you want change then you need to ask for it. You know plastic pollution is a major contributor to environmental degradation. According to the EPA (2018), in 2015, the United States generated 34.5 million tons of plastic waste. In 2017, the U.S. produced 80.1 million tons of product containers and packaging of which 14.5 million tons were plastic packaging and containers. 

If you want to stop polluting the environment with plastic, then you need to stop using it. Unfortunately, plastic is everywhere and almost everything you purchase is packaged in plastic. One way to reduce plastic pollution is to request that your favorite retail grocery store stop using single-use plastic and increase or add a bulk goods section.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

The following is a sample letter that you can copy and paste or use this link to access the sample letter. Encourage your friends and family to send the letter to the same retailer.

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Name
Address

Date

Manager
Store Name
Address

Dear Manager,

As a patron of your fine establishment, I am writing to encourage you to be mindful of future generations and the condition of our environment when making purchasing decisions. I am asking that you eliminate single-use plastic bags and increase the bulk foods section in your store.

I would like to remind you that millions of tons of plastic waste are produced each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 80.1 million tons of product packaging and container waste were produced in 2017, of which 14.5 million tons were plastic containers and packaging.

Plastic pollution causes unnecessary environmental problems for years into the future. Plastics pollute waterways and landfills and harms wildlife and their habitat. Therefore, it is important to adopt new purchasing practices that prevent plastic pollution. 

I urge you to support positive environmental by increasing your bulk foods section and eliminate single-use plastic bags. Every step we can take to ensure a clean, healthy, and productive system of natural resources for future generations is a positive step in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Your Name

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References:

Environmental Protection Agency. 2018. Plastics: Material-Specific Data. Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/plastics-material-specific-data