How Can We Get Rid Of All Those Pesky Wrappers?

Our over-dependency on plastic and unnecessary wrapping is a bigger problem than most of us realize. Our garbage is thrown in overflowing landfills, dumped into the ocean, and is destroying many ecosystems. Since plastic isn’t biodegradable, it’s literally stuck in places where it’s doing incredible damage. Add that to the fact that as more stuff is dumped in random places, the garbage which is biodegradable can’t actually degrade. It just rots and creates problems. You may think that when you toss your trash in the garbage it’s being taken care of, but the reality is, it’s not; it just can’t be.

Pratt Institute graduate student Aaron Mickelson created The Disappearing Package in an attempt to combat the ever-growing production of waste. He redesigned common household goods and food products so that their packaging would virtually disappear after it had served it’s purpose. According to his study, packaging alone accounts for 140 billion pounds of garbage each year.

Glad Trash Bags

Why do plastic bags come in a box? It’s a waste of cardboard! This design has the bags stored inside the last bag. The last bag is fully functional, just like the others, but is printed with the product label. Bags are pulled up from the center (like sani-wipes). When you get to the bag with the label on it, it’s time to buy more.

Nivea Soap

This unique soap packaging saves you a bit of time. All you have to do is hop right into the shower with the box and watch as the paper surrounding the soap completely dissolves. Is it magic, you ask? Not quite. The box is completely

water soluble–and 100% non-toxic and septic safe.

OXO Containers

These plastic storage containers have soap-soluble labels printed right on the plastic. All you have to do is wash your new OXO container with soapy water and it’s ready to use. No garbage!

Tide Laundry Soap

This unique packaging is completely water soluble, packaging and all! All you have to do is tear off individual pods and toss them in the wash. Don’t worry about the ink, it won’t stain your clothes. No packaging, no fuss!

Twinings Teabags

Unfortunately, whatever you do, food packaging always ends up being a little wasteful since the food items need to be preserved. Nevertheless, these tea bags cut down on waste substantially! As you can see, there’s no box. Each tea bag is stored in individual cardboard envelopes. The sleeves are linked together and folded up accordion style. It cuts down waste and allows for more marketing space! Win-win.

It’s important to take steps to reduce our waste as much as we can. Mickelson’s designs are proof of the fact that all you need is a little dedication and you can come up with some truly ingenious ideas to help our planet!