While cannabis legalization has brought about so many great and valuable things for the people who love our favorite plant, the rapidly growing industry comes along with environmental concerns. According to the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition, the cannabis industry produces over one billion single-use plastic pieces annually.
Plastic is one of the primary culprits of waterway and marine pollution, and it is derived from a non-renewable energy source: fossil fuels. Therefore, it is important for all of us in the industry to make strides toward making cannabis a more earth-friendly consumer product. At Happy Valley, sustainability has been and always will be at the core of what we strive for and promote. Take a look at a few ways Happy Valley is continuing to make a difference below.
We Use Biodegradable Pre-Roll Tubes
Pre-rolls are one of the top-selling cannabis products in the state. Unfortunately, these individually wrapped pre-rolls are also known for involving a lot of plastic waste per package due to child-packaging laws in the state. The microplastic particles that stem from these tubes going into the landfill are causing direct harm to delicate marine and land ecosystems and even compromising water supplies.
At Happy Valley, we have been working hard behind the scenes to come up with a better solution. Our pre-rolls are now being packaged in completely biodegradable tubes that do not contain microplastics at all. These tunes are also made with renewable materials that do not require valuable resources from the planet to produce.
Our Flower Is Packaged in Recyclable Glass Jars
Cannabis flower is packaged in numerous types of packaging to protect the quality of the flower and keep the containers aligned with state regulations. Unfortunately, the majority of the containers used for retail cannabis flower packaging are also made of plastic.
To combat the over-reliance on plastic at Happy Valley, we have transitioned to packaging our flower and some of our other products in glass containers. Glass is far easier to recycle, can be reused for other purposes, and does a much better job of keeping cannabis flower fresh and free of plastic compounds.
Taking Part in Beach Clean-up Initiatives
Happy Valley has been actively engaged in beach clean-up initiatives in Massachusetts to combat the detrimental effects of waste on local ecosystems. By organizing regular clean-up events, we work diligently to remove litter and debris from beaches, which helps in significantly reducing pollution and protecting marine life. Healthier coastal environments are important for all of us, and we know it all starts with setting an example for the communities we serve by getting involved in beach clean up efforts.
Support Cannabis Sustainability with Happy Valley
At Happy Valley, we’re doing everything we can to set cannabis on the most sustainable path possible. If you are passionate about good cannabis and being kind to the environment, there’s no better way to make a difference than by shopping for brands that hold your same values close. Visit our Gloucester and East Boston dispensaries to find the full collection of Happy Valley products and see how we’re doing our part to make a difference.
