Sustainable Packaging Advocates, Don’t Despair

“Drill, baby, drill.” Most environmentalists around the world collectively cringed when they heard 2024 Republican candidate Donald J. Trump reassert his positions on energy and climate change leading up to the 2024 election.

Now that Trump has won and will be the 47th President of the United States in January 2025, their fears have become reality.

In the Packaging Digest on-site coverage from Pack Expo International 2024, I acknowledged the impact of the election results, based on conversations I had the day after the election with several people who work in sustainability. In the video, I describe them as “disappointed” and “worried” about what they see as critical and urgent issues. Who was I kidding? That was watered down.

They were in despair.

Ever the optimist, I tried to find something that would help make them feel better. Two people told me what I said to them helped. So, I’ll repeat what I said, and add a couple more thoughts.

Yes, federal policy matters. But, as we see with extended producer responsibility programs being implemented in the US, the states have some control to set different policies. And it is almost a certainty that we’ll see more states jump on the EPR train during the Trump/Vance administration.

Also, remember that Trump is just one man. I’ll tell you a secret: Not everyone who voted for Trump agrees with everything he represents. You may have more Washington politicians on your side than you think. Don’t assume someone’s position. Ask. Persuade.

Related:Why I’m Against a Packaging Tax

In one of my conversations at Pack Expo, someone I respect immensely said one of her colleagues was so dejected she was thinking of giving up.

I’ll leave you with one last comment: If you feel strongly about your work in sustainability, my advice to you is, “Fight. Fight. Fight.”