Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has been under scrutiny for its continued growth in plastic waste production in the US. Despite global efforts to reduce plastic packaging, a recent report by the nonprofit organization Oceana revealed that Amazon generated a staggering 208 million pounds of plastic waste in the US in 2022 alone. This represents a nearly 10 percent increase from the previous year, raising concerns about the environmental impact of such practices.
While Amazon claims to have reduced its overall use of plastic packaging by 11.6 percent in 2022 compared to the prior year, the US remains a major outlier in the company’s efforts. Oceana emphasized the need for Amazon to address the growing plastic waste issue in its biggest market and questioned why US customers were seemingly being left behind in sustainability efforts.
One of the key challenges highlighted by Oceana is the lack of transparency in Amazon’s reporting on plastic waste generation. The company’s sustainability report for 2022 does not provide a breakdown of plastic waste by country, nor does it account for the plastic waste generated by third-party sellers. As a result, Oceana had to rely on market data and public statements from Amazon to conduct its analysis.
Sustainable Measures
Amazon has made some efforts to reduce its plastic waste, such as eliminating single-use plastic delivery bags in Europe and India. However, progress in the US has been slower, with only one fulfillment center in Ohio transitioning to paper alternatives for delivery packaging in 2023. Plastic film bags, commonly used for packaging, are not easily recyclable through curbside programs, posing a challenge for consumers who wish to divert these plastics from landfills.
Call for Action
Oceana has called on Amazon to phase out plastic packaging in the US and set a clear timeline for achieving this goal. While Amazon has made vague commitments to reduce plastic waste, the lack of concrete plans and transparency has raised concerns about the company’s dedication to sustainability. As the largest e-commerce market in the US, Amazon has a responsibility to lead the way in reducing plastic waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Overall, Amazon’s plastic waste dilemma in the US underscores the urgent need for companies to prioritize sustainability and take proactive measures to reduce their environmental impact. By addressing these challenges head-on and committing to transparent reporting and concrete actions, companies like Amazon can play a vital role in protecting the planet for future generations.
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