Pushing back on plastic packaging
3/26/2026 by Margo Meekin
Plastic packaging waste is a global issue. In the U.S. alone, there was 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in 2021 — and only 5% was recycled properly.
Improved plastic recycling methods are not the solution to this problem. Plastics that are put in the recycling bin often end up incinerated or in landfills. Additionally, plastic recycling facilities in the U.S. are incredibly water-intensive and can’t keep up.
This instead highlights a great need to reduce the single-use plastic items we encounter each day.
Here are a few ways to reduce plastic use in our everyday lives:
- Carry reusable bags to avoid plastic shopping bags.
- Pack your own utensils for lunch and skip the plastic ones offered in the cafeteria.
- Purchase reusable fruit and vegetable bags for grocery shopping.
- Anticipate leftovers? Bring your own food storage container from home.
- Select grocery stores have refillable spice stations. Tip: Look for zero-waste grocery stores in your area.
- Opt for refillable products of toiletries, cleaning supplies and even cosmetics.
- Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones.
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
- Replace plastic wrap with cloth or silicone food wraps. These can be washed and reused.
- Bring your own mug or carafe to use instead of disposable cups to coffee shops that allow this practice.
Small changes make a big difference. Each time single-use plastic is avoided, it keeps one more item out of the landfill.
Margo Meekin is a dietetic intern at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She received her bachelor's degree in dietetics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is currently completing her master's degree in clinical nutrition from UW–Madison as well. She has an interest in clinical nutrition, specifically pediatrics and metabolic disorders.