According to Plastic Oceans International (POI), we produce over 300 million tons of plastic each year around the world, half of which is for single-use purposes. If production remains unchecked, the planet and its ecosystems will be overrun. Fortunately, awareness of this issue is growing thanks to activists young and old.

Governmental action on the local, state, and national level is also forcing many companies to re-examine their manufacturing processes, their supply chains, and distribution networks regarding both products and packaging.

One leader is Ikea, which recently committed to transition much of its plastic packaging to a mushroom-based renewable alternative that can grow in a controlled environment, and, like plastic, be easily formed into shapes.

If kept dry, this "MycoComposite" can be used over and over. It can also decompose fully in just 30 days. Producing the material uses only 12 percent of the energy required to make the same amount of plastic, and with 90 percent lower carbon emissions.

They are also ditching the use of plastic bags. Starting in 2020, the company's 363 outlets worldwide will be eliminating everything from single-use plastic plates, drink stirrers, cups, tableware and straws to freezer bags, garbage bags, and packaging.

Another step in the right direction is Mattel's recent commitment to use 100 percent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastics materials in both its products and packaging by 2030. Early in 2020 the company will debut its first product aligned with this new goal, the Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack, made from sugarcane-based plastics and packaged in 100 percent recycled or sustainably sourced material.

Walmart announced in February that it seeks to achieve 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging for its private brand packaging by 2025 and will encourage other brands that it sells to set similar goals. The retailing behemoth is also working with suppliers to eliminate non-recyclable PVC plastic in general merchandise packaging altogether by 2020.

The company that runs the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotel chains announced this week that all of its 843,000 guest rooms will provide shampoo and other bathroom amenities from bulk-sized containers, eliminating millions of plastic bottles from landfills. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, will be implementing the phase-out across all 5,600 of their properties worldwide with the transition to be completed within two years.

A huge chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom has committed to cutting a further 1,284 tons of plastic from their supply chain over the course of the next year, including plastic cutlery, bags, lids, and trays. Sainsbury's will start by removing 489 tonnes' worth of plastic bags, which are currently used for loose fruit, vegetables and bakery items. Customers buying loose fruit and vegetables will either be able to bring their own bags or buy a re-usable bag made from recycled materials. Paper bags will be available to customers for loose bakery items.

Kroger, America's largest supermarket chain, announced that it will be phasing out all of its single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable alternatives. When fully implemented, the waste generated by bags in their 2,800 stores, which include Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Fry's, and Ralphs, will drop by 123 million pounds per year.

Heineken, Corona, Carlsburg, and Guinness have all announced in 2019 that they are eliminating plastic from their packaging, replacing them by next year with biodegradable 6-pack rings, or glue.

(With contributions from the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk EarthTalk® See more at Emagazine.com.) – Featured image by Swansea University, released

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