Packaging is one of the most controversial aspects of modern life and one in which we often find ourselves unwilling participants in the creation of waste.
Plastic has largely replaced glass for the packaging of milk and whilst plastic milk containers are convenient, they generate considerable waste and milk cartons are not only a pain to open but comprise mixed materials which required specialist separation processes in order to recycle. From my own experience, a large proportion of my neighbours don’t bother to crush the empty bottles and cartons before placing them in the recycle bins greatly reducing the efficiency of the collection process.
A Great Idea!
Moyra recently discovered a very simple alternative, which I hope will become widely available. Called the JUGIT milk bag it comprises a large disposable milk sachet/bag and a re-usable jug. The makers claim that a 2 pint milk bag, which is made from strong, recyclable low density plastic, contains 75% le
ss packaging than the equivalent plastic milk bottle. We were given the jug free as an incentive to buy the bags and have used the product for a couple of weeks. Like the best ideas it’s very simple and very effective. There is a small cost saving over bottled milk and the full bags take up less room in the fridge or freezer. When empty, all that remains for disposal is a small plastic bag.
