Over 8 billion tons of plastic have been produced since its widespread commercial release approximately 6 decades ago, generating more than 6 billion tons of plastic waste. 80% of plastic waste has been disposed either in landfills or in the environment. An estimated 9-10 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans on an annual basis. That number is projected to double by the year 2025. At current rates of plastic production and disposal, additional 12 billion tons of plastic waste are estimated to enter landfills or the environment by the year 2050.

Environmentally-disposed plastic waste can take centuries to biodegrade (i.e., 450 years for plastic bottles), exposing wildlife, marine and human life to adverse health effects and death as a result of ingesting it or becoming entangled in it. Plastic permeates the food chain when it is broken down into smaller particles called microplastics. Plastic particles are increasingly being found in the stomachs of wildlife and marine life species (including plankton, a variety of which is essential for the production of oxygen), in seabirds (90%), in table salt, fertilizers and bottled water (93%), to name a few. Plastic ingestion by human beings results in adverse health conditions including, but not limited to asthma, cancer, male infertility, premature births and miscarriage, neurological and immune system damage.

Evoware

Evoware is an Indonesia-based company that collaborates with local seaweed farmers to provide alternative to plastic seaweed packaging for food and non-food products. Evoware packaging is edible (high in minerals, fiber and vitamins), biodegradable and serves as a natural fertilizer. It is almost odorless and tasteless and has a 2-year shelf life without the use of preservatives. The packaging is affordable, customizable, printable and heat sealable. According to Evoware, 70% of all plastic waste is generated from food and beverage packaging. Thus, the environmental and health benefits from wide-scale commercialization of seaweed packaging would be truly marvelous.

Whether you are an individual motivated to lead a healthy, eco-conscious lifestyle or have a tangible product-based business, Evoware packaging is an ideal substitute to the use of plastic packaging. We wholeheartedly encourage everyone to explore this incredible opportunity to heal our planet and share Evoware’s invention with the world. Decreasing the demand for plastic leads to deflated rates of plastic production and less plastic waste being generated and disposed into landfills and the natural environment. Everyone’s effort counts.

Evoware Official Website: http://www.evoware.id/

Article Written By: Sosé Gjelaj and Elitsa Teneva

Art: “Change” by Sosé Gjelaj

Websites:

Sovereign Terra (Book Store and Blog): http://www.sovereignterra.com
Cosmic Avatars (Apparel Store): http://www.cosmicavatars.com
Sose Art Gallery (Gallery): http://www.soseartgallery.com

Sources:

https://newrepublic.com/article/147988/global-crisis-plastic-pollution
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42264788
https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/plastic-waste-in-ocean-to-increase-tenfold-by-2020-10042613.html
https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/plastic-eat-what-happens-to-your-body
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39217985
https://www.scienceinschool.org/content/world-without-trees

Disclaimer: The sole purpose of the article herein is to increase awareness and extend a call for conscious involvement. We are not in any way affiliated with Evoware.