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Still Wrapping Suitcases in Plastic? Why?
Plastic-wrapped luggage is a common sight at airports, but have you ever wondered why people do it? Is it really necessary, or is it just another source of plastic waste? In this post, we'll explore the history behind luggage wrapping, the waste it generates, and whether it actually protects your suitcase from tampering or damage. How Did This Trend Start? The most popular reason, at least in Australia, dates back to 2005 and the high-profile case of Schapelle Corby—an Australian woman arrested in Bali for smuggling a large amount of marijuana in her boogie board bag. The intense media coverage led many travellers to believe that wrapping their bags in plastic would prevent airport staff from tampering with their luggage. The fact is, some Australian airports were offering wrapping services before this incident, mostly catering to international visitors. But after the Corby case made headlines, plastic wrapping gained popularity among Australian travellers. Fast forward to today—20 years later—and airports are still providing wrapping services. But why? One online commenter provided the following reasons: - The wrapping service also includes a weighing service, so you’ll know if your bags are overweight prior to check-in. - It protects against damage, prevents cases from flying open, removes the need for locks, and protects against scuffs and petty theft from baggage handlers. Let’s counter that argument: 1. Weigh Your Bags at Home There are inexpensive digital scales that can help you check your luggage weight before leaving for the airport. There’s no need to rely on a paid service. 2. More Sustainable Ways to Secure and Protect Your Luggage Let’s be realistic—if airport staff need to inspect your bag, they will. Plastic wrap won’t stop customs agents or security personnel from opening your suitcase. It might indicate that someone tampered with your bag, but is it truly necessary? Think about it—the chances of a baggage handler sneaking a large amount of drugs into a random suitcase, hoping it gets to the right destination without getting caught, then managing to retrieve the bag at the other end without detection—are pretty slim. The Bigger Issue: Plastic Waste Plastic luggage wraps contribute to a growing mountain of waste. In Australia, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of bags are wrapped in plastic each year. In the United States, that number jumps to a shocking 2 million bags annually. And where does all that plastic go? Straight to landfill. What Are the Alternatives? If security is your concern, opt for a reusable luggage glove with TSA locks integrated into the design. For protection from dirt or scratches, consider a washable, durable, and customisable luggage cover. Unlike plastic wrap, you can use them over and over again. Lockable luggage straps are another good choice. They keep your suitcase secure, prevent it from flying open, and eliminate plastic waste—not to mention the added expense of airport plastic wrap services. Who Has the Power to Change This? As travellers, we can take action by refusing plastic wrap and choosing reusable alternatives. If enough of us stop using it, demand will drop. But it shouldn’t always fall on the consumer. Airports need to step up. They should phase out plastic wrap services and offer sustainable alternatives instead. What Do You Think? Let me know your thoughts on luggage wraps. Should we put pressure on airports to end this unnecessary practice? Or do you believe wrapping luggage in plastic is necessary?
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Connecting Plastic to Climate Change
A topic that's often overlooked when discussing climate change — plastic and its impact on our planet. The environmental impact of plastic starts long before it becomes waste. So if you care about climate change, you should care about plastic products and plastic pollution. Plastics, fossil fuels, and climate change are all interconnected — and that's why it’s more important than ever to reduce our reliance on plastic. The majority of plastic is made from fossil fuels — specifically oil and gas. In fact, about 99% of plastic comes from these non-renewable resources. So when we talk about climate change, we need to include plastic production as part of the conversation. It’s not just the visible pollution that’s the problem. Plastic pollution happens at every stage—starting with oil extraction and refining, through production, and finally when it’s discarded and considered waste. Not only that, but when we look at the recent fires in LA, one of the contributing factors in the ability for the buildings to burn so quickly, releasing harmful toxins into the air and marking it harder for fighters to combat the flames — was due to plastic. There's plastic throughout our homes and I'm not just referring to the single-used plastic that are commonly used. Electronic equipment, furniture, paint, curtains and on and on. Our homes contain hundreds of items of flammable plastics. Let’s look at a few types of plastics and their environmental impact: Biodegradable and compostable plastics are made from renewable materials like corn starch or sugarcane. Biodegradable plastics can break down naturally through bacteria or other living organisms, which means they don’t stick around in the environment for long. Compostable plastics require specific conditions to decompose. Meaning, as the name implies, they need to be composted. Should biodegradable plastics end up in the ocean or landfill, they may not breakdown as intended. Bio-based plastics are also made from natural sources, such as plants, and include plastics like PET — the same plastic used for water bottles and food containers. While it’s possible to make PET from renewable resources, most of the production today still relies on fossil fuels. So, while bio-based plastics may sound more sustainable, they often have the same environmental impact as traditional plastics. Fossil-Based and Non-Biodegradable PlasticsThese plastics are made from oil and gas. They include some of the most common plastics in the world, like polyethylene, which is used in single-use packaging, and PVC, found in things like water pipes and wire insulation. Polyethylene is the most manufactured plastic in the world, accounting for over 100 million metric tonnes each year. Yet, globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. That means the majority of this plastic persists in our environment, often accumulating in oceans and waterways. And Then What? What happens to all this plastic when we're done with it? Much of it isn't recycled and instead sits in landfills for centuries, or worse, ends up in our oceans harming marine life. The reality is plastic isn't just a pollution problem, it's also a climate problem. If we want real change, we need to rethink our reliance on plastic and hold the industries driving its production accountable. Until next time, keep asking, And Then What?
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