Are Reusable Containers The Future? | One Small Step | NowThis

Summary

The video explores the growing trend of reusable packaging as a sustainable solution to single-use plastics. Featuring companies like The Wally Shop, which delivers groceries in reusable containers, and Loop, an initiative by major brands promoting refillable products, the video highlights how reusable systems are making a comeback. It discusses the history of reusable containers, the challenges of scaling them, and the potential for industry-wide change. The video urges viewers to support companies embracing sustainability and to rethink wasteful packaging in everyday life, positioning reusables as a key solution for a cleaner future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Single-use plastic packaging is wasteful, outdated, and increasingly unpopular with consumers and companies.
• 😀 Brands are recognizing the need for change and are beginning to experiment with reusable packaging solutions.
• 😀 The Wally Shop is a startup using reusable containers to deliver groceries in a zero-waste model, allowing customers to return packaging for reuse.
• 😀 The milkman model of reusable containers, where items are delivered and returned for cleaning and reuse, is making a comeback.
• 😀 Wally Shop's founder, Tamara Lim, saw the wasteful packaging issue firsthand while managing Amazon's packaging and shipping category.
• 😀 Wally Shop’s operational model is similar to established systems like FedEx, which ensures scalability and efficiency.
• 😀 Despite its small size, Wally Shop has already saved 8,000 single-use pieces of packaging since its launch in 2018.
• 😀 To address the single-use plastic problem, industry-wide change is necessary, which is where initiatives like Loop come in.
• 😀 Loop is a collaborative initiative with major brands, including Procter & Gamble, working on reusable and refillable packaging solutions.
• 😀 Loop's reusable containers are designed to be durable, beautiful, and functional, aiming to make reusables mainstream.
• 😀 Reusable packaging solutions, like Tide's reusable laundry detergent containers and Haagen-Dazs' insulated ice cream packaging, are both practical and visually appealing.
• 😀 Loop is currently piloting its service in New York City and Paris, with plans to expand further and revolutionize packaging on a global scale.

Q & A

What is the main problem with single-use plastic packaging?

Single-use plastic packaging is wasteful, outdated, and contributes significantly to environmental pollution. It is used in food containers, soap, cleaning supplies, and many other products, creating a massive waste problem.

What is The Wally Shop, and how does it operate?

The Wally Shop is a zero-waste grocery delivery service that uses reusable containers, like mason jars and cotton bags, to deliver groceries. Customers pay a deposit on the packaging, which is returned with the next order. The company has saved 8,000 pieces of single-use packaging since its launch in 2018.

What inspired Tamara Lim to start The Wally Shop?

Tamara Lim was inspired to start The Wally Shop after seeing the massive amount of waste from packaging during her time working at Amazon, specifically in managing their packaging and shipping retail category.

What is the operational model used by The Wally Shop?

The Wally Shop uses a hub and spoke operational model, similar to companies like FedEx or UPS. This model ensures that the return trip for the reusable containers is optimized, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Why does Procter & Gamble participate in the Loop initiative?

Procter & Gamble participates in the Loop initiative to experiment with reusable packaging. They aim to reduce waste by offering products in containers that can be reused and refilled, promoting sustainability in their packaging models.

How does Loop ensure that the reusable containers are practical for everyday use?

Loop's reusable containers are designed to be durable and functional. For example, their Tide laundry detergent bottle is designed to be reused multiple times, and Haagen-Dazs ice cream containers are insulated to keep the product cold during delivery, making them practical for consumers.

What is the environmental benefit of reusing containers, according to the script?

Reusing containers helps reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment. By reusing packaging, companies can minimize waste, save resources, and lower the environmental footprint of their products.

What cities are currently part of Loop's pilot program?

Loop's pilot program is currently running in New York City and Paris, with plans to expand to more cities in the future.

What is the significance of the 'milkman model' in the context of reusables?

The 'milkman model' refers to the system used by milkmen in the past, where bottles were delivered, returned, cleaned, and reused. This model was efficient and sustainable but was replaced by single-use packaging. Reintroducing such models for other products is part of the push toward reusable packaging.

How can consumers contribute to reducing waste, according to the script?

Consumers can contribute by supporting companies that use reusable packaging, opting for products with minimal waste, and reusing items they already own instead of buying new ones. By making these conscious choices, they can help reduce the environmental impact of single-use packaging.