Eco-Consumers Trapped by Plastic Packaging
41 posts across 18 communities in the last 30 days; 32% from r/ZeroWaste.
“How are people getting the plastic labels off of glass bottles? I feel like it is nearly impossible to get labels off of things to put them into the recycling. How are other people managing this and making it easier?”
“Listen, im the kind of person that when i like something, I run it into the ground. I ate peanut butter toast with 2 fried eggs for most of high school, and now im trying to get into sustainability. I went to sprouts on a whim and bought Sea-el day cream with 30 spf for like $34…”
“So i buy second hand when i can but for many things, infact common everyday items, I'm wondering why are there not easy options to buy recycled things. Like i know recycled glass to make drinking glasses is common but only when you know where to look. Does anyone else also look…”
Consumers are frustrated by deceptive sustainability marketing and the difficulty in verifying eco-friendly claims. They struggle with the practicalities of reducing waste, finding reliable alternatives to single-use plastics, and feeling misled by companies' environmental promises. This leads to a sense of distrust and ongoing effort to find truly sustainable solutions.
SOURCES (60)
“I’ve previously had coffee filter holders taped to the inside of my kitchen cabinets. It worked, but removing them for cleaning meant dealing with the tape again. This time I designed one with a small French cleat. The rail stays screwed in place, and the…”
“Title pretty much sums it up. I have a shitload of PLA waste (especially all the various calibration tests I have to run on my ancient printers) and rather than just keeping it all in a bin until I die, I've become interested in melting my waste down into silicone molds. Only problem is, most of the things I see people making with this process, namely skulls for some reason, aren't exactly the upcycling I'm looking for. Has anyone found a good set of molds to make, I don't know,”
“Trying again with not-all-caps in my title. Highly recommend the documentary Buy Now on Netflix, about how much waste we products through rampant, never-enough consumerism, arms how the corporations feed this. Both of my sisters love Ridwell, but I'm on the fence. Any thoughts on this? I've done a bit of Googling and see that they really do work with Trex and some plastic recyclers... submitted by /u/DependentReaction896 [link] [comments]”
“Hello all! I’m looking for a coverall that doesn’t tear, that’s waterproof, that can handle mud, and hopefully reusable (if that’s even a thing) but open to disposable ones? Trying to find my significant other something better than the disposable ones. The disposable one keeps tearing and he’s getting mud and sewage all the way up to waist some days. Does anyone know of any recommendations? Thanks! submitted by /u/ThePEA_ [link] [comments]”
“Context: I have a green packet of whisper's sanitary pads and it expired this month and still more than half of the pads are not used. I noticed a few months ago that the pads will expire so I started using that and told my mom to do so but she didn't take it seriously. I have seen a news in which a girl passed away because she got an infection from using expired pads. I don't want me or my mom to get infected and not any other women to. My mom thinks that it isn't something to e”
“Hello all! Seeking help purchasing straws and the appropriate impulse sealer. BPA free food safe etc. jumbo vs regular size. Please show me your honey stick setup! I’m in Marin county, California. submitted by /u/sedatedMD [link] [comments]”
“So we got our kids (3 and 4) some off brand bentgo boxes for our upcoming road trip, wondering if or how you keep things cold? I know it says it’s freezer safe, so do you freeze the box ahead of time to keep things chilled for longer? If so, do you do this with the food in it? Just wondering for things like cheese cubes, fruit, etc. We have a normal lunchbox we’re gonna bring too with ice packs for the more perishable things like yogurt and milk, but just curious what other parents do! We’re gon”
“Does anyone have any leads on a real, reusable superglue container? I get like 2 uses (maybe) in like 15 minutes. Any longer than that it dries up. Maybe superglue isn't the best glue for PLA? Or am I just dumb and the single-use superglues are the way? submitted by /u/nvahalik [link] [comments]”
“Nice comprehensive list man. I have a couple of questions.. if you could please look For drying aid, I've been using ech2o and it is awesome. Do you suppose there's any point shifting from it (gyeon ceramic detailer maybe?) . I want gloss. Losts of gloss. Dont care for hydrophobicity much. For contact wash, is Reset too strong for an uncoated car? I plan to use gyeon wet coat once in 8 weeks. Will reset be too strong for just bare paint + wet coat? I've been using gyeon bathe uptill”
“How are people getting the plastic labels off of glass bottles? I feel like it is nearly impossible to get labels off of things to put them into the recycling. How are other people managing this and making it easier? submitted by /u/2matisse22 [link] [comments]”
“I’m working on a small business idea and would appreciate some honest feedback. The product is a 500 mL empty water bottle for people who forget their usual bottle. You would buy it at a gym, café, or other location, fill it yourself at a drinking fountain, and use it throughout the day. 6 quick questions: How often do you forget to bring your water bottle? Never Rarely Sometimes Often What do you usually do when you forget your water bottle? Buy bottled water Use a drinking fountain Go without”
“We used plastic bottles with our first. Plastic bottles are great in that you throw them cold into boiling water, it’s like 30s-1 minute and BOOM, warm milk! Well, I got glass this time. I thought a cold glass bottle in boiling water might burst, so I thought “I know! I’ll put the bottle in cold water on my induction stove and heat the water to boiling, and the glass will heat alongside the water!” Guess what else came to temp right the same??? :) :) :) I want to scream he’s been cluster feeding”
“That Citizen of Soil pouch model is such a smart shout! Really appreciate that reference, definitely taking notes on it! [re: Would you adopt an olive tree in Greece to receive custom-bottled EVOO each harvest? Validating an idea]”
“I mean, there's a difference between actively collecting cans and bottles others have thrown away and just cashing in your own. I personally save all of mine until I have enough to fill the trunk and the backseat of the car - usually about a month - and then I bring them in. It takes maybe half an hour total and I get about $20 for it. My main motivation is actually recycling itself, but the money, is a nice bonus even if it's not much. I think more people woukd definitely do it if it we”
“it says on their website that they’re made from recycled cotton but these are hard and plastic-feeling, very “stiff” and wirey. the pieces that shed off look like pieces of the netting that holds cuties or avocados. NOT sustainable if that’s the case. extremely disappointed. anyone have any advice on this? I bought two packs and will return them but worried about them being tossed out instead of resold or reused. idk what to do. feeling so burnt out that everything I try has a greenwashing probl”
“I'm thinking I might get a filament recycler, but I was wondering how much they cost and if theyre even worth the price, or if I should just buy more filament when I needed it. submitted by /u/official_reaper3d [link] [comments]”
“I’ve been considering purchasing some wheat straw cups/plates for when I have people over (less likely to break than our ‘good’ plates). I was under the impression they were better than plastic plates but they all seem to include plastic?? Are they even any better or is it just a bit of a con? submitted by /u/timewastinggoldfish [link] [comments]”
“For infrequent use, is there any reason to spend $40 on a name brand clay towel or is a $10 off brand one just as good? Thanks! submitted by /u/knifeaddictforlife [link] [comments]”
“Yes there are hundreds of different formulations of material that are referred to as "plastic" it's important to understand major forms as some are chemical and heat resistant and others will turn back into petroleum.”
“Listen, im the kind of person that when i like something, I run it into the ground. I ate peanut butter toast with 2 fried eggs for most of high school, and now im trying to get into sustainability. I went to sprouts on a whim and bought Sea-el day cream with 30 spf for like $34 and badger adventure 50 spf for $20. Both are okay, but sea-el cant be bought on their website and has a plastic top. More annoying, though, is that there's no way to refill it which means over the years I'd have”
“I was tryna be a bit more eco friendly and all that, reduce my plastic use around my food, so got these sponges. Was gonna nab one tk clean my glass on the reef tank. To my surprise one of the warnings is explicitly to not use on aquariums? Its only ingredient is wood pulp fibre. Is there Some coating that may be toxic (and therefore to me too? Trying to reduce my potentially dangerous chemical exposure too) https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/159882/mod-living-cellulose-sponge-3-pack”
“In my area (Denver) I can only order EcoLab/Keytsone products from Sysco and Shamrock, both of which just changed their case minimum to 20. This is pretty much a deal breaker for us. Also, they changed their service request process. We no longer have a dedicated service person and scheduling onsite visits has been a major hassle. Has anyone had luck with another dishwasher leasing agency? submitted by /u/jackycoontas [link] [comments]”
“I just recently got into being more environmentally conscious and realized just how much plastic I have and use on a daily basis. I tried to look on YouTube for ways I can recycle plastic bottles and bags but I was met with a lot of videos that involve melting the plastics which I just don't feel very comfortable doing that. I also saw a lot of converting it into plant holders but I do not have plants. Is there a way I can upcycle them without melting or turning it into a plant holder? Thank”
“Has anyone found compostable floss picks? We need to use picks for my toddler till he's old enough to hndle regular floss. All the picks I see online are biodegradable. They have compostable handles but the thread is made of plastic. Thank you for taking the time to read my post! submitted by /u/IAmMOANAAA [link] [comments]”
“I keep hearing that customers notice eco friendly packaging, but most unboxing videos are just people finding the product while the box gets launched across the room. Are shoppers paying attention to the material, or am I funding a very expensive sustainability prop? submitted by /u/No-donaAlbtross-9828 [link] [comments]”
“i try to buy products with glass packaging but some of them I have no use for. Some of them I'm hoping I can send back to the companies for reuse but probably not. nail polish bottles, hair oil, coconut oil... my area of my city does not recycle for free. submitted by /u/Remarkable_Curve_100 [link] [comments]”
“Hello! I was thinking lately about how I could possibly make a difference in my city. I feel that convincing as many local businesses as possible to switch to ordering bulk biodegradable cups/plates/utensils/to-go boxes/etc would eliminate a significant amount of waste, and there's no reason for them not to switch, especially since I found a wholesaler who sells biodegradable products at less than a cent a piece. I was wondering though, what steps would I have to take in order to convince th”
“I’m trying to avoid plastic in my drinking water as much as possible. I have a bottle loading machine for my water filter so glass is fine. Has anyone ever tried using glass instead?? What’s your experience submitted by /u/No-Cut-8728 [link] [comments]”
“I have this water bottle (which I love), I’ve put stickers on it and it keeps things super cold. But the handle on the lid it came with broke within a few weeks of me purchasing, and it has a lot of little nooks and crannies that harbor mold. Does anyone have advice for finding a replacement lid from a new company? The width of the water bottle’s lid is 2.5 inches, I didn’t measure the height but I assume it’s 1-1.5 inches submitted by /u/motthmann [link] [comments]”
“So i buy second hand when i can but for many things, infact common everyday items, I'm wondering why are there not easy options to buy recycled things. Like i know recycled glass to make drinking glasses is common but only when you know where to look. Does anyone else also look for such options? Or is it just me getting too picky now. submitted by /u/sus_pa [link] [comments]”
“I'm thinking of starting a marketplace that only sells upcycled home items, for example drinking glass and vase made of recycled glass, shelf of recycled wood, etc. I know a webshop like this is a gap in the market, but maybe for a good reason? Please convince me out of it! Would especially love insights from people who work in a similar space? submitted by /u/sus_pa [link] [comments]”
“I think this product and many others such as the bilt hamber auto wheel are placed in bottles that we’re not and cannot contain the smell of the product inside. BH is a huge offender in this category. That said, get on Amazon and look up smelly bag. I have harsh products like this inside a smelly bag and it contains the smell. Sometimes you can double bag it if it’s really horrendous. The only other choice is to stick it outside, which is pointless. All these manufacturers should ensure that the”
“Looking for suggestions for fabric covers that aren't made of polypropylene, as most of them seem to be. I use them to protect from frost as well as to protect from intense sunlight after spring transplants. I would like something that allows some light and moisture through. submitted by /u/Brilliant_Secret1636 [link] [comments]”
“Can't find any locally, but I don't need much so I'm fine to buy a few bags online. Any recommendations? submitted by /u/KirklandTourStaff [link] [comments]”
“Suction cup plates and bowls go upside down and are so much easier to take out! submitted by /u/hikekorea [link] [comments]”
Hdpe bottles from US Plastics are what I use. Have tons of sizes etc
“hi I was wondering if y'all have any recommendations for cleaning equipment that isn't plastic or at least single use plastic? submitted by /u/AleopardThatJumps [link] [comments]”
“Trying to achieve a no waste zero plastic life n stuck on food spices. We grow some things from home but still like to use other spices. Where can I shop either in person or online? Would like somewhere where I can bring my glass jar and just refill it submitted by /u/TemporaryPretend4081 [link] [comments]”
“ok so I was clearing out a kitchen drawer at the weekend and had a bit of a moment bamboo cutlery set (used twice, I own forks). beeswax wraps that went sticky and then went in the bin lol. a set of matching glass jars for a pantry I never got round to decanting into. a "zero waste starter kit" that arrived in a box inside another box. and like 3 tote bags on top of the 11 I already had. some of it still in the packaging, genuinely :( meanwhile the stuff that's actually made my bin”
“I went to Germany recently and, honestly, thought people were getting paid to recycle bottles, but turns out you pay a 0.25 Euro deposit for the bottles and get it back when you return them. I had saved money some for the trip, so I wasn't leaving those refunds behind, and keeping the empty bottles became automatic. Reports say a 98% return rate for containers in Germany, which is bottles and cans returned, not the percentage actually recycled. Also, it is estimated that only 9% of all plast”
“For brits commenting what things that are specific to here can I do , like brands which are here (maybe buying one brand of hair conditioner instead of another since one uses less plastic or less chemicals which increase carbon emmisons submitted by /u/Sensitive-Vast-4979 [link] [comments]”
“I have so many of these. Is there anything I could use them for? They're vaguely vase shaped but I don't keep cut flowers and even then I have like 10 of these at least. Is it better to toss them? I don't think they'd make good glasses due to the shape. I'm located in Czech Republic is that's relevant. submitted by /u/SammythefluffyDragon [link] [comments]”
“Anyone have recommendations for a good reusable colour catcher for the washing machines? Like what brand did you buy that was good? Just want to make sure the one I buy actually does catch the colour. submitted by /u/No-Influence-4833 [link] [comments]”
“Oh it will still mold. Pretty quickly too. It’s only sterile until you open the package.”
“Ok so I run a tiny sustainable shop and just did our first huge order of custom eco packaging with this new supplier, told them to print HOT AF ECO on the side as a joke placeholder and never changed it... it arrived last week and we shipped 300 orders with that on every box, im terrified our customers think we are some weird parody brand rn, would love to hear stories submitted by /u/Content-Acadia-8228 [link] [comments]”
“For those of you that made eco bricks with plastic bottles I have some questions. What did you use them for? How are they holding up after +3 years? Are you still making them? Are they useful enough to continue making them? submitted by /u/SeaDry1531 [link] [comments]”
“I tried those photo holder things but it became a hassle. I wound up getting a different one that's heavier and doesn't have the individual containers. Head to Michael's, Container Store, and Office Depot and check out all the containers they have. Bring a seed packet with you.”
“I use reusable cotton rounds instead of cotton balls for removing eye makeup. I put them in a mesh lingerie bag and wash them with towels. But after just a few washes, the mesh bags start ripping and falling apart, and the cotton rounds wind up loose with the rest of the laundry (and probably a few getting sucked into the pipes on my communal machines, yikes). Is there something else I can use to get them clean in the washing machine? Or some other mesh-like material I can look for that might ho”
“Basically we are slowly swapping things out to be plastic free in our house but one thing I just can’t seem to find a replacement for is those fluffy polyester blankets you can buy in supermarkets. As you can see my cats love to suckle on them and are obsessed with making biscuits on them. I don’t want to take it away without giving them a decent alternative! Any advice would be greatly appreciate! submitted by /u/IcyFlatworm6544 [link] [comments]”
“Decided to try out a laundry bag. At home washing. It's a cheapish washing machine, but has a normal spin cycle. I don't have a dryer, but the spin cycle takes care of the worst of it, then I air dry. Anyway. Did a load with the bag for the first time today, and the clothes came out still completely soaked. Was like there was never a spin cycle at all. Any advice? Should I just run a second spin cycle? Are there other laundry bag hacks I need to know about? submitted by /u/On”
“and that doesn't leach microplastics submitted by /u/iliketoworkhard [link] [comments]”
“Container - trash Lid - Check locally…but not recycled in all communities. i like the how to recycle info but I think we need to start holding the manufacturers more accountable and quit passing it off to consumers to resolve. submitted by /u/taboo8614 [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone. Could you give me some practical advice on how to make my kitchen and bathroom items as plastic-free as possible? I want to avoid both single-use plastic and microplastics. For example, what kind of cutting boards, sponges, and soaps do you use, and where do you buy them? submitted by /u/Brave_Lengthiness751 [link] [comments]”
“hello, i have struggled to find toilet bowl cleaners that are cruelty free (its very important to me) and im thinking maybe making it myself is easier but i cant find any recipes i trust or that arent being used on an already clean toilet as "proof it works". im asking for either recommendations on recipes or brands that dont test on animals (preferably if they arent also owned by a parent company that tests on animals) thank you in advance :) submitted by /u/-Jinx69- [link”