Purium Joins the Charge Against Plastic

(Updated, Jan. 2019) 

In its recent, stunning expose on plastic’s impact on the world’s pollution struggle, National Geographic emphasized the global magnitude that is plastic waste. It’s not a total shocker that we’re facing a crisis, but the numbers still leave us awe-struck.

According to the organization Plastic Oceans, more than 300 million tons of plastic is produced every year. At least 8 million of that is dumped into the ocean, leading to an onslaught of issues.

But just how did we get here?

A History of Plastic

National Geographic traces part of the history of modern plastic practices back to a now-scary ad in a 1955 volume of Life magazine. The photo showcases a family throwing plastic trays and utensils in the air, with some of it overfilling a nearby trash bin. It celebrated what was dubbed, “Throwaway Living” —  a life where you could use plastic once and throw it away after.

It’s so fitting that the trash bin erupted with other plastic, it’s almost as if the picture foreshadowed what was to come.

It’s true that plastic has made our lives a lot easier in some ways. Instead of re-using and washing plates, cups and bowls, we have alternatives. Plastic allows us to take our drinks and foods on the go, and dispose of the waste easily afterwards.

But at what cost?

Plastic Today

Today it is estimated that 50% of plastic is used only once before being tossed away. Forks, cups, food wrap, lids…that’s a lot of new plastic trash daily. How exactly do we combat that?

Cities, governments and society as a whole have taken recycling to task, as one solution to the ever-growing pollution problem. Many cities and townships have implemented recycling service with oversized (plastic) bins and giant trucks.

Green culture trends have even inspired new businesses that turn discarded plastic into a new resource, rather than trash. For instance, one company actually creates pens out of recycled water bottles!

But even then, not everyone chooses to recycle. Nor does everyone dispose of recyclables properly.

So often, we still find bottles and other containers littering the streets or in regular trash bins that are the final segue to landfills.

Plus, there is valid criticism about some recycling facilities and best practices affect our environment.

Moving forward, it’s really important to be aware of what plastic we are using and reduce it use wisely.

Purium Takes a Step Forward

Creating healthy lifestyle changes that benefit humans as well as the Earth is what Purium is all about. This is why, in 2016, we announced our biggest eco-friendly commitment, yet: to begin our transition from only relying on traditional plastic containers for our products. In 2016, we first unveiled our eco-friendly, compostable packaging option the “Terra Pouch.”

Knowing that change can be hard, we started small…well, kind of. While Power Shake was the only product we offered the “Terra Pouch” packaging option, it is one of our most popular products.

After seeing how delighted our customers were with this, we were ready to plan the next eco-friendly phase.

Which brings us to today.

We are thrilled to share our two most recent initiatives:

1. All plastic scoops have been removed from our products.
2. Terra Pouches are now available for a few more of your favorite products.

Removing Plastic Scoops

Don’t get us wrong, we totally understand how useful plastic scoops can be, especially in making it easy for you to use our products. However, we realized that the scoops can get a bit excessive, especially if you are constantly ordering from us!

Plus, small tools like scoopers easily find themselves washing into our oceans, causing a myriad of issues for marine life. Our solution? Get rid of the scoops! If you still have some from previous orders, you can wash and reuse!

And don’t worry, for those of you who don’t have extra scoops, we’re thinking of you too!

To make this switch a little easier, we are also switching from a scoop-measuring system to the more universal teaspoon and tablespoon system! This makes it easier for everyone, because you most definitely have some of those already! Just dig through that spoon drawer and fish them out.

Purium Terra Pouches 

Just what are Terra Pouches? They are environmentally-friendly packaging made from renewable plant cellulose. Don’t let the shiny packaging fool you; this Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified material comes straight from responsibly-managed forests.

These pouches are compostable and can be buried in your yard after use, reducing landfill waste. Remember to follow the instructions on the label.

Special Note: Until final approval from the compostable label program, pouches should not be composted in gardens or municipal compost piles.

So, which of our products are going green? We’re proud to announce our next phase of Terra Pouch options:

• Can’t Beet This! (larger size – 60-120 servings)
• Daily Fiber Caramel Apple
• Kamut Blend Family Size
• Rice Bran Solubles
• Super Meal L.O.V – Original
• Super Meal L.O.V – Vanilla Chai
• MVP – Vanilla
• MVP – Chocolate

Updated Measurements

Here are some updated measurements for products that no longer ship with a scoop:

• Aloe Digest – 2 (1/4) tsp.
• Can’t BEET This! (Terra Pouch) – 2-4 tsp.
• CoCo Hydrate – 2 tsp.
• Daily Fiber Caramel Apple (Terra Pouch) – 2.5 Tbsp.
• LOV Orginal (Terra Pouch 2 Pack – 6 Tbsp.
• LOV Vanilla Chai Bio Bag (2 Pack) – 6 Tbsp.
• MVP Sports Chocolate (Terra Pouch) – 3.5-6.5 Tbsp.
• MVP Sports Vanilla (Terra Pouch) – 3-6 Tbsp.
• Kamut Blend Family Size (Terra Pouch) – 2/4 tsp.
• Power Shake Apple-Berry flavor – 5.5 Tbsp.
• Rice Bran – 1 Tbsp.
• Rice Bran (Terra Pouch) – 1 Tbsp.

Scoop or no scoop, products will ship with appropriate measurements on the nutritional label. Products with no scoops will reflect updated measurements in Tbsp. and tsp. Items with scoops with reflect “scoop” measurements.

A Word From Our Co-Owner 

Purium’s Co-Owner and environmentalist David Sandoval continues to personally lead these Purium initiatives, and states, “Vote with your dollars- every time you spend money on your Core nutrition with Purium, you are also allowing us to spend that money for you again as we go out and change the world. Supporting causes that you believe in like non-GMO ingredients, organic farms, and packaging innovations like the terra pouch … every time you buy food, you vote for that quality of ingredients, that quality of packaging and that company’s mission. Thank you for voting Purium.”

As much as we would love to snap our fingers and have our plastic containers, yet the best changes take a little extra care and time. In the mean time, we’ll take comfort that many of the products that arrive at your door in plastic canisters usually last a little longer than a one-day throwaway.

We also encourage you to find uses for the canisters afterward, like using them as stationary holders for your desk or as mini-pots for decorative plants!

Daily Eco-Friendly Habits

Did you know that one of the best things we can do for our planet is by eating more plant-based meals? Eating 1 meal day that does not include meat, eggs or dairy can make a major difference in our global impact. Show us your daily eco-friendly habits on Facebook or Instagram – and tag us!

Sources:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-waste-pollution-trash-crisis/

The Facts