Call to action to explore alternatives to one-way packaging
The non-profit Küste gegen Plastik (“Coast Against Plastic”) based near the island of Sylt in Northern Germany is committed to a world without plastic waste in the oceans. It’s a small organization which thinks big, looking how to induce systemic change. It has develops Apps which empowers consumers to report unsustainable packaging directly to the producer, as a friendly call to action: Please reconsider your packaging!:
«We believe that it’s not enough to just pick up plastic waste. We need to stop producing it.” Frank Timrott, Co-Founder Küste gegen Plastik e.V.
The problem is well-known: Plastic is flooding our oceans. Microplastics, tiny debris from plastic cups, packaging and bags, can now be found in the most remote places around the world. Yet many manufacturers are painfully slow to respond. Individually wrapped cookies, fruit wrapped in plastic, or hard plastic bowls that are immediately disposed of after a single use – the packaging mania knows no bounds.
Many companies argue that consumers want this type of packaging. Küste-gegen-Plastik develops apps – Replace Plastic and more recently the Replace Einweg targeting oneway packaging – to show that this is not the case. After downloading the Replace App, a scanner opens to scan the product’s barcode. As soon as a product has been reported by 20 people, the manufacturer receives an automated message in the name of the association requesting them to reconsider the packaging.
How it works
By simply scanning barcodes, consumers can express their desire for sustainable reusable alternatives. The collected feedback is forwarded directly to the companies.
Goal and motivation
The app aims to gently encourage companies to rethink their packaging strategies. The developers are convinced that collective consumer action can bring about positive change.
Complement to the ReplacePlastic app
Unlike the ReplacePlastic app, which focuses on plastic, the Replace Einweg App targets all types of disposable packaging. This reflects growing consumer awareness that other materials are also problematic.The Replace Einweg App is free for iOS and Android and offers everyone the opportunity to actively fight for a more sustainable future where reusable packaging is the norm.
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Contribution to the 17 Global Goals
Responsible Consumption and Production
Consumer activism for a circular packaging design
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Building a digital infrastructure to strengthen consumer activitism
Life on Land
Sustainable product design to reduce environmental impacts
Partnerships for the Goals
Engaging consumers in rethinking packaging design
Life below Water
Stopping one-way packaging to end up in the sea
GOOD Club
This project has been supported by the GOOD Club, a joint initiative of the GOOD Impact Foundation and GOOD Search. The lead sponsor for this project is:
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Images
©Photos: Verein Küste gegen Plastik e.V.