Question

Collect different kinds of packaging material. What was the purpose for which each one was used? Discuss in groups.
Give an example in which packaging could have been reduced.
Write a story on how packaging increases the amount of garbage.

Answer 1

Hint: Use of plastic and poly bags increases load on nature as these materials are not biodegradable, hence they retain their form for years, not undergoing any degradation in the natural environment.

Complete answer: A. The various types of packaging materials can be classified into the following categories:
Paperboard boxes – Paperboard is used for packing cosmetics, medicines, milk and juice, cosmetics, frozen food, and more.
Corrugated boxes – Corrugated boxes simply refer to cardboard. Applications include retail packaging, pizza delivery boxes, small consumer goods packages, and so forth.
Plastic boxes – Plastic is used for the packaging of sweets, candies, etc.
Rigid boxes – These boxes are made from paperboard and are commonly used in the packaging of cosmetics, jewelry, technology, and high-end luxury couture.
Chipboard packaging – Chipboard packaging is used in industries such as electronic, medical, food, cosmetics, and beverages.
Polybags – A polybag is one of the common types of packaging and is used for the packaging of food items, flowers, waste, chemicals, magazines, and so on.
Foil sealed bags – Foil sealed bags are used in most coffee and tea packaging. Nuts, cereals, cheese, and cured meats are also packaged with foil sealed bags to prevent spoilage.

B. Packaging could have been reduced in the case of candies because they already have a plastic wrapping on it. An additional plastic box could have been avoided and the candies could be packed in a biodegradable bag. This would reduce the plastic load on nature.

Note: The garbage that is produced on a regular basis mostly consists of a huge amount of packaging material that we throw away after we take the product. This includes cardboard boxes of fruits, polybags from daily shopping, etc. If we do away with some unnecessary packaging materials, we can reduce the garbage load to a great extent.
This can be done by simply using cloth bags in routine life in place of polybags.