The Packaging Problem

Last week, I ordered myself a few more of my favorite face masks. Once I found the ones that fit my face well, were pretty cute and didn’t drive me totally crazy, I figured I should just stock up! Well, they arrived last weekend and I was kind of shocked. Why? The packaging! The order arrived in a plastic bag. Within that plastic bag, each mask was individually wrapped in another plastic bag and placed within another plastic bag that corresponded with the collection in which it was included. I think I ended up with 13 plastic bags in total. Now, I understand that I’m talking about face masks and with face masks come concerns about sanitation and safety – I totally get it; but, let’s be honest, I was going to wash them before I ever wore them. So, why the need for so many plastic bags?

Think back to the last time you ordered something online. It was probably relatively recently since we’re all shopping mostly digital nowadays. When the order finally arrived at your home, how was it packaged? Probably wrapped in paper or plastic within another box or bag. If you ordered a product of some sort, it probably came in a box within a larger box. There was probably tissue paper or those little crunched up pieces of paper that annoyingly get everywhere. There was probably a receipt, a return envelope and a card of some sort. All in all, there was likely a lot of packaging.

Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Now think about this – how many packages do you receive in a week? One? That’s probably unlikely. Maybe two, three or even more depending on the size of your household. The amount of packaging multiplies quickly. In fact, as explain by Brian Baskin (2021) for the Business of Fashion, “…global parcel volumes topped 100 billion in 2019 for the first time…and surged in 2020 as online shopping took off during the pandemic” (para. 3). On top of the fact that all this packaging ends up generating piles and piles of trash left in landfills, all this shipping contributes to hugely significant greenhouse-gas emissions. Currently, the fashion industry emits about the same quantity of greenhouse-gas emissions per year as the entire economies of France, Germany and the UK combined (Berg, Granskog, Lee & Magnus, 2020). That’s a lot.

When receiving all these packages, we might break down the cardboard box to recycle; but the greater likelihood is that you’ve ripped open your order and stuffed the packaging into the overflowing trashcan. Listen – no judgement here – I’m guilty of it too.

Despite the fact that we – both consumers and the fashion industry – are aware of packaging’s environmental impact, why has it stayed firmly planted in its ways? Well, convenience. First of all, cardboard boxes are incredibly practical. They’re cheap, easily stored and assembled and they keep even the most delicate of goods safe in transit. Second, as stated by Nate Faust, founder of Olive, in an interview with Brian Baskin (2021), “There’s been a herd mentality in e-commerce [that] convenience equals speed – that is the sole element of the delivery experience that the vast majority of retailers are focused on” (para. 8). You know every time you click two-day shipping or express delivery? That puts an even greater strain on the environment. Once again – no judgement – I’m guilty of it too.

So – why am I telling you all this? Well, first of all, I’m hoping to just open your eyes to the reality of something that you likely deal with each and every day. The first step to changing our actions is simply recognizing them. Second, there are alternatives to the traditional methods of packaging and shipping. To start off, don’t pick express shipping methods. Even if you feel like you absolutely must have something within a day, in reality, you probably don’t really need it that quickly. You can wait an extra day or two. Next, lots of retailers – like Glossier, for example – offer an option for reduced packaging. Yes, you won’t get as many cute boxes and such, but it’s much better for the environment. Lastly, there are companies like Olive and Repack that are working to eliminate single-use packaging by partnering with brands in an effort to consolidate and streamline people’s orders.

Listen – the fashion industry is not there yet when it comes to making packaging and shipping more sustainable; but companies are certainly starting to try. I do believe that, in part, the responsibility is in the hands of the consumers to open their eyes to these impacts and challenges. If we’re willing to work a little harder and pay a little more attention, sustainable changes can be easily implemented.

Bye for now,

McGee