Environmentally friendly packaging is crucial on Earth Day and every day because it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, which can have devastating impacts on our planet. We all know that Styrofoam and plastic packaging are particularly problematic because they are not biodegradable, take hundreds of years to decompose, release harmful chemicals into the environment, and only 5% are recycled. The future of sustainable packaging is now compostability through the use of natural and chemical free materials. So this Earth Day, choose Ecochill, the only truly environmentally friendly Styrofoam replacement that is 100% compostable for all your cold chain shipping needs.
Sustainability Efforts and Composting
To address the Styrofoam and plastic waste issues, there have been various efforts to promote more environmentally friendly packaging and reduce the use of Styrofoam and plastic. In recent years, many cities and states have implemented bans or fees on single-use plastic. While some companies have committed to reducing or eliminating plastic packaging in their products. However, composting is coming to the forefront of the green revolution as the strongest strategy for reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow plants. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also helps to improve soil quality and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. There have been recent investments and legislation in favor of composting as well. In the United States, the Biden administration has proposed a $6 billion investment in a Civilian Climate Corps that would prioritize climate-friendly projects, including composting and other initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, many cities and states have implemented composting programs or offered incentives for residents and businesses to compost.
- Two federal bills for recycling infrastructure grants and composting solutions have been reintroduced to the U.S. Senate. The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA) will allow a U.S. EPA grant program to build infrastructure projects in areas with little or no recycling access. Learn more
- The New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will hold a workshop on April 27th to discuss a potential rule change to mandate source separation of yard debris. Owners/managers of 4 or more resident units are required to designate space for the storage of yard debris and provide appropriate containers. Learn more
- San Diego allocates $77 million on a composting plant in Miramar all organic materials that residents and businesses must recycle to comply with new law, SB 1383. Learn more
Choose Ecochill as a Solution
Your cold chain experts at Illuminate have introduced a revolutionary new compostable insulation to safely ship temperature-sensitive cold chain products while going green. Ecochill offers a 100% compostable alternative to harmful Styrofoam while experiencing comparable properties, such as cost, thermal performance, and weight. Ecochill is expertly designed for the shipment of temperature-sensitive products, such as perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, biologics, infusion therapies, animal medicine, and fresh pet food. Ecochill pads can be disposed in local yard waste, compost, or trash and is truly the only environmentally friendly insulation currently available on the market.
The University of Florida studied and monitored Ecochill compostable insulations when used as the main compost ingredient and ground cover. Compared to wood chips and other general composting materials, Ecochill produced superior nutrient-rich and balanced soil. When used as weed control mulch, Ecochill prevented more than 65% fewer weeds than commercially available mulch. In addition, Ecochill increases the harvest yield of plants by 45%.
This Earth Day, choose Ecochill for all your cold chain shipping needs and help save the planet one package at a time.
