Is The Convenience Worth It? What To Know About Plastic Food Packaging

The average American sends 4.4 pounds of trash to the landfill every day” and “some of the most common items found in waste audits are paper towels and food packaging," Kathryn Kellogg, author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, states in her book.

Packaging is the largest, growing consumer of fossil fuel derived plastics. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that, “while plastics are found in all major MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) categories, the containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage at over 14.5 million tons in 2018”.

There is the environmental impact of the production of these plastics, with its large carbon footprint, but there is also the waste aspect- where this all goes. The EPA states that, in 2018, of the 35,680 thousands of tons of plastic generated, only 3,090 thousand tons were recycled- a whopping 8.6%. No wonder there’s been a surge in the last year of states suing large gas and oil industries for their undeniable role in the plastic problem.

Aside from the environmental impacts, what are these plastics doing to our health? NPR wrote in an article published on September 19th that 3,000 different chemicals from plastic packaging leach into the food, itself. Some of the most harmful chemicals on this list include phthalates, BPA, and PFAs; chemicals with known adverse health effects . 

Let’s look at a breakdown of pthalates, BPA, and PFAs- what they are, what their purpose is within food packaging, and how each is harmful to ourselves and our loved ones.

ORTHO-PHTHALATES (AKA PHTHALATES)

These are a group of chemicals used in plastics as “plasticizers”, making plastics softer, more flexible, and less brittle. The FDA currently allows 9 different phthalates to be used in food packaging but includes them on a list of chemicals up for review, as of October 29, 2024. This review is taking place as phthalates contain known endocrine-disrupting properties, according to the EWG (Environmental Working Group). The endocrine system, commonly referred to as the ‘hormone system’, creates and releases hormones within the body; hormones required to maintain numerous bodily functions. In the disruption of this system, phthalates increase the risk of cancer, infertility in women, asthma, allergies, and–when exposed prenatally– learning and behavioral issues in children. 

BISPHENOL A (AKA BPA) 

Per the Mayo Clinic, BPA is a chemical made to create polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are plastics specific to holding food and beverages. The epoxy resins made using BPA are often used to coat the inside of metal food packaging, specifically cans and bottle tops. BPA is another endocrine disruptor as well as a reproductive toxicant, according to the organization BCPP (Breast Cancer Prevention Partners). The following were listed by the BCPP as health concerns of BPA consumption via food packaging— cancers, reproductive disorders, neuroendocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and neurological disorders specifically in children.

PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (AKA PFAS)

Coined as “forever chemicals”, PFAs are a large, complex group of chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. While there are many uses of PFAS outside of food, PFAS have the role of keeping food packaging non-stick. They are found in grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers, according to the EPA. They are ‘forever chemicals’ because they never leave the body. They build up over time with exposure. PFAS are also endocrine disruptors, so the list of associated negative health affects are similar to those of BPA , according to the EPA.

These plastics only enter into our lives, and our bodies, over the sake of our own convenience—quick meals from the grocery store, pizza easily delivered in 10 minutes, for water already bottled and ready for you at the gas station. There was a world before this convenience that we can return to. Farmers’ Markets have fresh produce during all seasons, freshly baked bread and pastries, delicious, culturally-rich prepared food not pre-packaged in plastics (and you can bring your own stainless steel or glass food storage containers to lessen your exposure to chemicals even more). In supporting our local communities and businesses, we can also help our planet and the health of ourselves and others. It’s a win-win-win, it just might take a little longer. Convenience might not be worth it.

SUS's 2024

2024 was record-breaking for SUS; from the number of bottles removed from the waste stream to the number of markets attended. Here are the stats-

16,412 BOTTLES

repurposed into bags, hats, and backpacks.

501 BAGS AND BACKPACKS

collected through SUS's Reborn Initiative where SUS, and its volunteers, repaired them and got them to humans in need.

40 MARKETS

attended throughout the year; 40 places around New England we were able connect with our community and give back.

And speaking of community, we would like to thank you for following along with SUS's journey. Without you, this small, Boston-based business would not have had the amazing year it did.

We want your input- products you'd like to see, color schemes for new and existing products, directions for new partnerships, etc. It's 10 questions and only takes a few minutes. As an added bonus, you'll get $10 in credit towards the SUS website when you complete the survey.

Farm Shares 101

At SUS, we support small and local businesses. Everything is SUStainable- recycled, reused, and biodegradable materials are our ingredients. Participating in a farm share is one way you can become more SUStainable too.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Shares are a mutually beneficial exchange between small scale local farmers and community members. The local customer pays up front and when the growing season comes around, the community member has access to a "share" of the farm's haul on a weekly basis.

MORE THAN FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Fruits and vegetables are often the main items in farm shares; however, there are other shares, as well, such as flower shares, dairy shares, meat shares, egg shares, and even mushroom shares.

P.S. If you're looking for an experiential gift, explore the option of a flower share. Your gift recipient shows up once a week for 8 weeks, typically starting mid-January, and gets to create a bouquet to brighten up their kitchen for the week. Anything Grows, an organic farm based out of Salisbury, MA, is doing just this with tulips! Pickups are available in Salisbury, MA, Portsmouth, NH, Kittery, ME, and Newburyport, MA.

WHY FARM SHARES?

"Not only has [the farm share system] revolutionized the way consumers access fresh, locally sourced produce, but it also greatly aids farmers in obtaining significantly more reliable sources of income. By supporting local food systems, CSAs are helping communities become more self-sufficient while providing sustainable options for those looking for high-quality produce," - Norman's Farm Market, Bethesda, MD.

While farm shares are beneficial to the consumer, who will recieve farm fresh produce, meat, eggs, flowers, etc. at a discounted rate, it benefits the farmers in that it financially supports their growing season before it even begins.

Restorative Health, a lifestyle heatlth organization in Washington DC lists the following as additional benefits of eating local and in season-

1. Increased Nutrient Density: Local, in season foods are allowed to ripen fully before being picked. In contrast, grocery store produce is picked and packaged prior to peak ripeness in preparation for the travel time- internationally and intranationally. The longer produce sits, the more vitamins are lost.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Most food travels 1,500+ miles before reaching our mouths. That's a lot of fossil fuel being burned.
3. Diet Variety: "Foods have different 'energetics' and help us connect with seasonal cycles of nature and provide us nourishment we need at a particular time of the year. For example, root vegetables (sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, potatoes) are harvested in late summer and early fall. They are rich in complex carbohydrates and extremely nourishing. When we eat root vegetables our bodies prepare for the long cold winter by storing a bit of subcutaneous fat for insulation. Byc ontrast, in early spring it's the green leafy vegetables like lettuce that sprout first. These bitter vegetables stimulate our digestive and liver function encouraging detox after winter's heavy eating and lack of movement." -Olga Afonsky, LN, CNS, MS Nutrition and Integrative Health

WINTER SHARES

As you probably guessed from benefit number 3 above, farm shares aren't just for the spring and summer seasons. There are plenty of winter farm shares available in New England with greenhouse grown lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, and more. And at the beginning and the end of the winter seasons, CSA members might even get a few extras (e.g., apples, strawberries).

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FARM SHARE FOR YOU

Interested and want to find a farm share near you? Visit your local winter farmers’ market to ‘interview’ prospective farms and find one that aligns with your values. Here are some questions you might want to consider as you choose your farm- Do you use regenerative farming practices? What sort of pest deterring practices to you use? Is your produce certified organic? What are your animals fed?

Use this moving Regenerative Farm Map by Organic Consumers Association to do some research ahead of time.

Looking to learn more about regenerative farming practices and how greatly these practices impact climate change? Visit https://kisstheground.com.

"Raw food is the best way to have the cleanest energy. We take so much care about what kind of fuel we put in our car, what kind of oil. We care about that sometimes more than the fuel that we’re looking at putting in our bodies. It’s cleaner burning fuel." - Woody Harrelson

You might even see SUS at some of these farmers' markets. Stay in touch with our socical media to find out which markets we'll attend. Let's all work together to be more SUStainable; reduce our waste, reduce our carbon footprint, and shop small.

Eco-Friendly School Essentials: 6 Sustainable Swaps for a Greener Back-to-School Season

Looking to make this school year a sustainable one? At SUS, we strive to make sustainable products accessible to everyone- from college students to the little tots on the playground. We’ve got something for everyone this year and want to help you make some informed sustainable choices when it comes to your back to school shopping. Here are six of our favorites- some SUS and some not- for lowering your carbon footprint this fall.

1. Stasher Bags

These sealable plastic bag replacements are a must-have for all of your organizational needs this year. From snacks to pencils and pens, these reusable silicone bags will help you keep single-use plastics out of your backpack, your lunchbox, and the landfill.

2. SUS Bags

Whatever size you’re looking for, SUS can lighten your load… and your carbon footprint. Check out our tags to see just how much plastic you are removing from the waste stream.

3. Digital Notebooks: reMarkable & Rocketbook

The future is now! You no longer have to sacrifice organization for hand-written notes. With digital notebooks you can have the best of both worlds. With these notebooks, you can write your notes/schedules/to-do lists, digitize them using the reMarkable or Pocketbook apps that come free with your purchase, erase your page by wetting the included towel or eraser, and start over again. Both have different features and price points so there is an option for everyone!

4. Bee’s Wrap

This bee’s wax coated plastic wrap/tin foil alternative is the answer to all of your eco-prayers when it comes to packing your lunches this year. Great for wrapping sandwiches, cheese, chips, baked goods, etc. Fold and use the heat of your hand to close it shut and you’ve got an air-tight seal that keeps your food fresh and lunch-time ready!

5. 8 Bottle SUS Lunchbox

We took it upon ourselves to create a lunch box that is sustainable AND functional. You shouldn’t have to compromise! Waterproof, tear-resistant, and insulated… plus it removes 8 plastic bottles from littering our ecosystem.

6. Pela

Switch from plastic to plant-based and compostable. Pela has engineered a plastic-like, durable material made from plants. Apple Watch straps? Apple AirPod case? Wallet? Cellphone case? Pela has it all.

Overall, great news- you are one step further from single-use sandwich baggies, newly manufactured backpacks and lunchboxes made from synthetic fibers, heaps of newspapers and paper, cling wrap, and plastic watch straps, phone cases, wallets, etc. You started the first step, which is research. Buying products that last is one of the biggest missions in this climate change movement. Go forth and have an amazing, SUStainable school year!

P.S. For brownie points, shop for these products at your local small businesses! The little guys need your help.

Why we use Crowdfunding for our Small Business

In today's dynamic business landscape, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. Small businesses often possess groundbreaking ideas but may face financial constraints that hinder their growth. This is where crowdfunding steps in as a game-changer, providing small businesses with the funds, validation, and exposure they need to thrive.

Why Crowdfunding Matters

1. Raising Funds to Bring Ideas to Life

Small businesses often struggle to secure the capital necessary to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Traditional avenues like bank loans can be challenging to access, especially for startups. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo bridge this gap by enabling entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to a global audience. Backers contribute funds in exchange for early access or unique rewards, allowing small businesses to secure the financial backing they need.

2. Validation and Audience Sizing

Crowdfunding campaigns serve as a litmus test for your business concept. When backers invest in your idea, they are essentially casting a vote of confidence. Successful crowdfunding campaigns provide valuable validation, demonstrating that your idea resonates with a community of potential customers. Moreover, as backers come from diverse backgrounds, you gain insights into your target market's size and preferences.

3. Market Insights and Awareness

Crowdfunding offers more than just financial support. It's a platform to engage with your audience, gather feedback, and fine-tune your offering based on real-world input. By actively participating in the campaign, backers become emotionally invested in your journey, transforming them into loyal customers once your product or service launches. Additionally, crowdfunding generates buzz and awareness around your brand, amplifying your reach beyond traditional marketing channels.

A Success Story: 19 Bottle Backpack by SUS

Oneexample is the "19 Bottle Backpack by SUS" campaign that we just launched. In just 30 minutes, we reached our funding goal and we are now working towards our stretch goal of $5,000. This story shows how crowdfunding can help catapult a small business to new heights. You can check out our campaign here.

The Future of Small, Sustainable Businesses

As a small business owner, the challenges of gaining exposure and securing funding are all too familiar. Crowdfunding, however, has the power to transform these hurdles into stepping stones. It's not just about raising money; it's about building a community of supporters who believe in your vision.

Crowdfunding is a catalyst that can allow small businesses like SUS to make a big impact. It's a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and the support of a global audience. If you're seeking funds, validation, and a platform to grow your sustainable small business, consider crowdfunding as a viable option. It worked for our business SUS, and it could work for others too.

Innovation drives progress, crowdfunding is a great option that can propel small businesses forward. Entrepreneurs have harnessed the power of crowdfunding to turn their dreams into reality.

Remember, when it comes to small businesses with big ideas, crowdfunding can help to open up opportunities that wouldn’t be affordable or possible.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding isn't just about raising funds; it's about realizing dreams and connecting with a supportive community. The global crowdfunding market's growth, success stories like SUS, and the benefits it offers to small, sustainable businesses make it a compelling option. By harnessing the power of crowdfunding, small businesses can flourish, innovate, and change the world, one idea at a time. 

You can check out our campaignhere.

Recycling in the United States: Sustainable Backpacks Leading the Way

Introduction:

Finding innovative ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability has become paramount. One solution lies in recycling, a practice that offers tremendous benefits for the planet but needs many people to . In this blog post, we'll explore the environmental impact of recycling, zoom in on the advantages of using backpacks made from recycled materials, and discover how SUS is making a difference by weaving sustainability into their products.

Check out our crowdfunding project to see how we are continuing to provide sustainable solutions:  www.susmade.com/crowdfunding 

The Environmental Impact of Recycling:

Reusing holds the key to curbing the mounting waste crisis that plagues our planet. By diverting materials from landfills and incineration, recycling, reusing, and repairing helps conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate environmental pollution. Embracing a circular economy can be a game-changer, and it all starts with a simple yet powerful concept: turning waste into valuable resources.

The Benefits of Backpacks Made from Recycled Materials:

When it comes to sustainable practices, even the smallest choices can have a significant impact. Consider your trusty backpack, an essential companion on various adventures. Opting for a backpack made from recycled materials can make a world of difference. These eco-friendly backpacks not only boast impressive durability but also serve as a beacon of sustainability.

One of the most compelling aspects of these backpacks is their longevity. Unlike cheap single-use material backpacks, a well-crafted recycled backpack should last for 5+ years or even longer.(In my opinion) The NY Times says “A good school backpack should be durable enough to survive the wear and tear of at least four years of education, as well as weekend getaways and trips back home.” 

Refer to our lifetime warranty for our bags and backpacks: www.susmade.com/warranty 

 By choosing one of these sustainable companions, environmentally-conscious consumers can actively contribute to reducing the volume of single-use plastic waste that often litters our communities, clogs waterways, and harms marine life.

Moreover, the manufacturing of recycled backpacks consumes fewer resources compared to traditional backpack production. Using recycled materials requires less raw materials, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. As more individuals opt for recycled backpacks, the cumulative effect on waste reduction and energy conservation becomes truly noteworthy.

Conclusion:

Together, we can create a world where waste is minimized, and sustainability reigns supreme.  Fully recycling, reusing and repairing materials have emerged as cornerstones of environmental conservation in the United States. As we strive to make a positive impact on our planet, let us remember that even the smallest choices, like opting for a backpack made from recycled materials, can lead to transformative change. 

Trash all around us.. Trash in space

WE as people on this planet are running out of places to put our waste. In the articles below there are several examples of that coming to the forefront as a problem in our civilization. Reasons why we see trash in waterways and expanding landfills.

Speaking of all places we put our trash into space via a rocket if you want to check out this article(s).

https://www.newsweek.com/iss-waste-disposal-new-method-1723390#:~:text=A%20new%20space%20waste%20disposal,clothing%20and%20used%20office%20supplies.

https://www.space.com/trash-bag-jettisoned-space-station-nanoracks

Another example with NYC while I love the city we all know that trash is on every street. Increasing the size of the bins is necessary in my view but it exemplifies the challenges that we have with the amount of waste created.

https://gothamist.com/news/as-giant-trash-bins-come-to-nyc-will-the-citys-garbage-heaps-become-a-thing-of-the-past

Countries Restrict Plastic

In May 2019, 187 counties (Not the US) agreed to control the movement of plastics.

This is a common a occurrence with countries like the United States because we don’t have a comprehensive way to recycle these materials.

In order to remove the materials the United States had been shipping them to China before they began to stop taking it from America which led to shipping it to Malaysia.

If you’re interested in the article use the link below..

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/11/world/basel-convention-plastic-waste-trade-intl/index.html

NYC Banning Plastic Bags

Great News out of New York City where they have taken steps to remove plastics bags which will end up reducing a significant amount of waste!

New Yorkers currently use 23 billion plastic bags each year which find there way to landfills, rivers and oceans.

As a company we want to make it easier for you to find other solutions in bags instead of single use plastics like the images above.

If you’re interested in the article use the link below..

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/nyregion/new-york-state-ban-plastic-bags.html