Earth to Mars: In regard to sustainable packaging

Dear Sustainability Experts of Mars, 

As you embark on the journey towards environmental accountability, it’s beneficial to understand how this planet has evolved in managing waste.  Today, the term “landfill” is far too simplistic in describing the customary methods for handling waste, “garbage dumps” are a thing of the past. In fact, the majority of the packaging from Mars will be entering highly regulated and strictly managed anaerobic waste facilities. With the planet’s ever growing need for energy, humans are using the primary treatment of waste to generate energy.  This is providing a valuable base-load resource for clean renewable energy, which is desperately needed.   

Through this biological process of handling waste, not the dirty method used pre-1980’s, it is reducing the carbon footprint, increasing clean energy recovery, decreasing required landfill airspace and eliminating waste as a pollutant.  In fact, anaerobic digestion is expected to replace composting for the biological treatment of waste. So when it comes to the performance of the plastic packaging for Mars, please make sure it coincides with the customary disposal methods and you’ll be on your way! 

Also, the 100% recyclable claim may not be prudent.  Latest reports indicate this would be an impractical assertion considering current conditions, especially for the packaging Mars produces. Besides, under the best of circumstances its unlikely recycling of candy wrappers will prove to be environmentally or financially viable.  But that’s okay; just manage the material using the infrastructures that are in place and sustainability will be achieved. 

Godspeed,

Citizen

Earth