The "Privilege of Existence" - Why it’s so Hard to Shake Disposable Packaging
Have you ever wondered why single use packaging is so pervasive, despite its many drawbacks? From soggy, leaky containers to the mind-blowing waste of resources, disposable takeaway packaging often leaves much to be desired. And yet, it remains the norm in our everyday lives. This phenomenon can be explained by a concept known as the "privilege of existence."
What is the "Privilege of Existence"?
The "privilege of existence" refers to the structural power of the status quo. Essentially, it means that what is already here doesn't have to justify itself. We accept the current state of things as the norm, often without questioning whether it's truly the best or most efficient way to do things. This acceptance makes it incredibly challenging for change to happen, even when the existing system has clear flaws.
Take single-use packaging, for example. If we were to go back in time and reconsider from first principles whether single-use packaging was a good idea, we might conclude that it isn't. The convenience it offers is vastly overshadowed by its negative impact on the environment and the user experience. Despite this, because single use packaging is already entrenched in our lives, it continues to dominate the market.
The Reality of Single Use Packaging
Consider this: takeaway food and drink containers are the number one most littered items on NSW streets and 75% of ocean plastic waste is related to takeaway food or drink. The environmental impact is staggering, with these containers often ending up in our oceans, harming wildlife, and contributing to the broader issue of plastic pollution.
Plus, single-use packaging isn't even particularly pleasant to use. It often results in an average dining experience, with containers that are prone to leaks, spills, and making food go soggy. And yet, we continue to use them because they are familiar and readily available.
Challenging the Status Quo with Reusables
At devolver, we believe it's time to challenge the privilege of existence enjoyed by single-use packaging. We're on a mission to eliminate the need for disposable containers in the takeaway food industry, replacing them with a sustainable, reusable alternative.
Our system allows customers to borrow reusable containers from participating outlets, use them, and then return them for professional cleaning and reuse. It's a simple yet revolutionary idea that harks back to a time before the advent of cheap plastic and the "single-use" mentality.
By making reusable containers as convenient and accessible as possible, we're working to shift the norm and create a new status quo. We're not just offering a product; we're creating a movement towards a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently and sustainably.
The Path Forward
Change is often daunting, but it's easier than it seems when we come together as a community. Economies around the world are waking up to the reality that our current ways of consumption are unsustainable. By embracing reusable alternatives, we can reduce waste, protect our environment, and improve our overall quality of life.
With your help, we can chip away at the entrenched privilege of existence that single-use packaging holds. We can make reusable containers the rightful standard for takeaway food, ensuring that convenience doesn't come at the expense of our planet.
