The packaging of the products we consume is as important as what is inside of the product. Plastic packaging production in Turkey constitutes 40% of the total packaging production. In 2018, 3.66 million tons of plastic packaging was produced in Turkey only. We can build a more livable world by taking sustainable steps in order not to harm nature. (Source 1)
The deposit refund system application that we have been waiting for starts this week. With this decision, it will reduce the burden of the environment for years and cause nature to breathe a little. It is an application that we have been waiting for a long time to take back the packages produced with the deposit system from paper, plastic and metal packaging after the paid bag application.
8 critical impacts of the deposit refund system on our world
1) It is expected to reduce the rate of plastic bottles in the oceans by up to 40%. (Kaynak 2)
2) By 2023, the deposit return system for single-use plastics increases the recovery rate to 30%,2 resulting in 50% less CO2. (Source 3)
3) Reducing 263,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions will reduce waste by 85% and prevent 33,000 tons of waste material from entering the ecosystem each year. (Source 4)
4) According to Eunomia's research, 62.3 million TL will be saved in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that increase climate change, and approximately 57.7 million TL will be saved by preventing air pollution. (Source 5)
5) Re-use of the product, which is produced by supporting sustainable production, without the need for primary raw materials for the production of new bottles by glass and pet bottle manufacturers, will be encouraged. Thus, the glass bottle can be recycled and used indefinitely, and the plastic bottle at least 12 times. (Source 6)
6) In our country, an average of 20 billion beverage packages are produced annually, including glass, metal and pet products. By 2041, this number is expected to reach 52 billion beverage packages. (Source 7)
7) Plastic production accounts for 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Every 1 kg of plastic equals 6 kg of CO2,2 which is 12 times the amount emitted by a cardboard box. (Source 8) (Kaynak 9)
8) According to Greenpeace's research, cardboard is more than 80% biodegradable, but unfortunately, we destroy 4 billion trees a year and use it to make cardboard, rewinding the cycle. (Source 10)
Its single-use packaging ensures that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and there is less waste in the ecosystem, thanks to the deposit return system. With this newly taken decision, we wanted to share with you this important step we have taken as a society for a more livable world and its possible effects.
Esra Gökşin
