With everyone’s busy schedules, this time of year may be the only opportunity we have to enjoy simply being together.
I love to entertain, but if I’m being honest, there is one thing I am not so thankful for: post-party cleanup.
It’s not the icing smudges on the table or the cookie sprinkles in the carpet that bother me the most. It’s the mountain of packages and wrapping created from these wonderful celebrations. The only lasting effect I want from my party is happiness – not a large addition to the local landfill.
Keeping my waste low and recycling as much as possible is important to me and many other customers. In fact, according to the Carton Council survey, 91% of customers expect food and beverage companies to actively help the recycling of their packages and 95% believe if more people recycled, it would help the environment. But recycling isn’t always easy. According to EPA reports, in 2013, more than 35 million tons of packaging was put into the landfill, the equivalent of over 230,000 Olympic swimming pools full of usable materials.
For more than a decade, Walmart has been working to reduce waste in its operations, and this November, our CEO Doug McMillon pledged to work with our suppliers to reduce product and packaging waste and preserve natural resources. The goal is for Walmart’s private brand packaging to be 100% recyclable by 2025. This is building on the announcement of Walmart’s new Packaging Playbook encouraging suppliers to optimize their designs, source sustainably and support recycling.
My company has inspired me to do more to recycle and buy more products that create less waste. Here are a few of my new favorite items along these lines this holiday season. What are yours?
1. Children’s character watches – These fun watches show your child’s favorite characters. Previously, they were packaged in a large plastic clamshell that was not recyclable, and now they come in a fully recyclable cardboard holder, making it easier to touch and see the product.
2. Barbie Fashionistas Doll – Lots of fashion and fun are delivered in a smaller package. This Barbie comes in a box that uses 10% less materials and is made of PET plastic, so it is 100% recyclable in most U.S. communities.
3. SoapBox soaps and lotions – I love giving gifts that help my family pamper themselves. Soapbox products come in recyclable containers, and for every product you buy, the brand donates a bar of soap to aid organizations in the U.S. and globally.
4. Enviro-Log – I love curling up to the fire with friends. This product is made from 100% recycled waxed cardboard and helps give that material another use rather than sending it to a landfill.
5. Hefty disposable cups – Have a cup of cheer because these cups feature the How2Recycle labeling system. This labeling system uses large logos that clearly indicate what is and is not recyclable. (P.S. In the coming months, customers will see How2Recycle labels on some of Walmart’s Great Value and Equate brand products, with more to come.)