Foil Wrapper
"A packet of crisps take mere minutes to devour but the packaging can take up to eight decades to decompose."
The inside of a chip bag is shiny and foil-like. This shiny material is a metallised polymer layer that is usually coated with aluminum. The metallised layer serves as an effective air and moisture barrier, playing a large role in extending the product's shelf life. These layers cannot be separated which is why chip bags are difficult to recycle.
- Contact your favourite brand and ask them for a recycling or biodegradable solution for their products. Consumer pressure can be a great motivator for brands!
Reduce the need for "convenience" pre-packaged food by making your own snacks. This article on Kiwi Families' website is a great resource.
Check the packaging before you buy and only purchase goodies in compostable or biodegradable packaging.
Clean chippy packets, for example, can be crafted into baskets, aprons, tablemats, coasters. Pinterest has lots of ideas. You can also try these:
- turn inside out and use for newly potted plants before transferring into the garden
- cover open food containers when on picnics
- use as a rubbish bag or to store dirty oil rags in your car
- wrap breakables when packing
- use them to collect berries and small vegetables
- use to carry your day's fish catch
Just confirming the Chip Packet Project New Zealand has a collection point in Whanganui - watch this space!
Foil food wrappers and packets do not biodegrade. Please keep from landfill wherever possible.