International Day of Zero Waste (March 30,2026) reminds us that reducing waste starts at the plate and that reducing food waste is one of the top climate solutions available to us. And while the food itself is the focus in 2026, the packaging it comes in is an inseparable part of the picture — both in terms of the waste it generates and the role it can play in the solution.
Eight in ten Americans agree: reducing waste is just common sense
The good news is that consumers want to reduce waste: eight in ten Americans (82%) agree that reducing waste and pollution is simply common sense, regardless of how they feel about climate change.
Consumers are already reaching for less plastic — when they can find it
The desire to reduce plastic waste translates to purchase decisions at the shelf. Nearly two in three consumers (63%) actively seek out recyclable packaging, 59% try to choose refillable or reusable containers, and 55% look specifically for beverages with less plastic. A significant share go further: 44% have already changed what they buy because of packaging type or amount, and 38% have avoided a product altogether for the same reason.
What's the Takeaway?
International Day of Zero Waste is a reminder that reducing plastic waste from food and beverage packaging is not separate from the food waste challenge — it is part of the same solution. Consumers want to make better choices and are already looking for less plastic at the shelf. The opportunity — and the responsibility — for brands and retailers is to make those options more visible, more available, and easier to choose.