Cannabis, Plastic, and the Environment

As if that's not enough, many plastics we use daily release hazardous chemicals, posing risks to wildlife and people alike. Recent research reveals that plastics' impact on soils, freshwater, and sediments is even more far-reaching than we once thought. And while plastic waste on land causes its fair share of problems, it's the trash that escapes into our oceans that takes centre stage.

Picture this: a whopping 5 trillion pieces of plastic currently traverse our ocean waters, with millions of new pieces joining the party every single day. Once plastic finds its way to the coast through river outlets, it's swept away by ocean currents, becoming a global traveler that's tough to remove.

Here's the kicker: most of these plastics are single-use, like those pesky items customers often nab when purchasing cannabis at a dispensary. These culprits never truly break down, hanging around for up to 500 years in the marine environment, eventually breaking into micro-plastics that infiltrate sea life.

While cleaning up this mess may not be a walk in the park, one thing is clear: we can definitely reduce our plastic consumption. It's time to be mindful of our choices and embrace a future with less plastic – for the sake of our Earth and its precious ecosystems! 🌍🌊

PLASTIC AND CANNABIS

Anyone who has bought cannabis knows the amount of plastic packaging that is used, I can only image how much a  cannabis dispensary uses. But how did we end up in this plastic-packed predicament? Ah, it's a tale of state packaging requirements, my friend, forcing the cannabis industry to dance with single-use plastics.

Many states demand child-proof packaging, which sounds noble, right? Well, not so fast. This translates into an extra layer of plastic wrapping around every cannabis purchase. Does it truly keep the kiddos at bay? Well, that's up for debate, but one thing's for sure – it ends up as unwanted waste, alongside those single pre-roll plastic tubes and disposable vape carts.

The bright side? The world is waking up to the climate change crisis, and people are seeking better choices when shopping. But alas, the cannabis industry, like a tightly regulated fortress, dictates what consumers get – and that often means a whole lot of plastic. Fear not, brave souls, for a growing tribe of consumers is demanding change! Sustainability is the name of the game, and the cannabis industry is hearing the call for better options.

It's time for a change, and consumers are standing tall, demanding greener practices from the cannabis industry. Together, we can light the way towards a plastic-reduced future! 🌿🌱

The following is alarming, so I'll warn you now. I was reading an essay by Simon Reddy, Director of International Environment and saw this image of a bird’s stock full of plastic.... as they say, “a picture speaks a thousand words” 

A dead albatross chick found on Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean with plastic debris in its stomach. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

IMPACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The making of plastics adds to global warming. When plastic garbage is burned, it increases emissions by releasing carbon dioxide and methane (from landfills) into the atmosphere.

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING

While many states require cannabis packaging to be tamper-evident, child-resistant, and resealable, the law doesn’t require it to be. Many companies are coming up with innovative ways to use more sustainable materials for their packaging. Things like recycled glass, paper, hemp plastics, and recycled plastics are great alternatives to traditional single-use plastics and are what consumers want to see when they look for eco-minded brands.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

In the quest for a greener planet, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the task at hand. While recycling efforts and eco-conscious choices like purchasing electric cars are steps in the right direction, the reality is that certain countries' massive CO2 emissions dwarf these individual efforts.

China, with a staggering 10,065 million tons of CO2 produced, the United States with 5,416 million tons, and India with 2,654 million tons are major contributors to the greenhouse gas problem.

The magnitude of their emissions almost seems to defeat our cause, making change appear frustratingly slow. However, we must not lose hope, and instead, press for international cooperation and collective action to address this pressing issue.

On another front, the menace of micro plastic trash demands a change in both consumer behaviour and societal norms. A holistic approach is essential, addressing the entire lifecycle of plastic, from its design and manufacturing to its use and disposal. It is crucial for consumers and businesses alike to adopt sustainable practices, minimising single-use plastics and embracing alternatives that reduce plastic waste at its source.

Research has unveiled disturbing evidence of the toll plastic takes on marine life. Corals in contact with plastic face an 89% chance of falling ill, compared to a mere 4% for those untouched by this menace. The implications of such findings are alarming, underscoring the urgent need to act.

If we don't alter our trajectory, scientists predict that by 2050, the weight of ocean plastics will surpass that of all fish combined. The gravity of this prediction cannot be ignored, emphasising the dire consequences of inaction.

It is imperative that we heed the warning signs and take immediate steps to address this pressing issue.

While raising awareness about littering prevention remains vital, it is equally important to recognise the broader environmental impact of disposable goods' production and resource consumption. By reducing our reliance on single-use items and embracing more sustainable alternatives, we can significantly lower the costs associated with waste management and control.

Prevention is the key to unlocking a more economical and environmentally friendly future.

But fret not, for this blog isn't meant to leave us feeling hopeless. On the contrary, it serves as a rallying call to action! Each one of us can make a difference by adopting eco-conscious habits, supporting initiatives that promote responsible waste management, and advocating for more stringent measures against plastic pollution.

The more everyone is aware of the plastic problem in the cannabis industry, the more we can use knowledge to make changes through innovation. Working towards sustainability isn’t easy in an industry that is heavily regulated.

But the more action businesses take to use sustainable packaging, the more consumers will come to demand sustainable practices and demand changes in regulation that can help reduce the need for single-use plastics in cannabis.