A Single-Use Convenience with a Centuries Long Impact
How Disposable Ponchos Contribute to Plastic Pollution
For world-class tourist attractions, delivering a memorable guest experience is essential. This often includes practical amenities, especially during unpredictable weather. A sudden downpour requires a quick solution, and for decades, the plastic poncho has been the go-to. But what happens after that hour of use? Most guests toss their poncho in the bin as quick as they can without a second thought. Seems harmless, right? Not quite. That single poncho will outlive you, your children, and generations to come.
As environmental awareness grows and consumers demand more sustainable practices, it’s time to rethink this seemingly small item and how you can easily implement a smarter, more sustainable and superior alternative.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Traditional plastic ponchos can take up to 500 years to break down, but they don’t just disappear. As they degrade, they fragment into microplastics which are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters that persist in the environment for centuries.
While ponchos are just one part of the broader plastic crisis, they demonstrate the broader issue of single-use plastics: items designed purely for convenience but destined for long-term environmental harm.
Microplastic Waste: Image Source - Harvard Public Health
The Global Scale: Why Even One Poncho Matters
Globally, millions of tons of plastic waste are generated every year, much of it ending up in oceans and landfills. For a high-traffic tourist attraction, the volume of discarded ponchos, multiplied across millions of visitors annually, adds significantly to this global burden.
Consider the average plastic consumption per person:
USA: 216 kg (476 lbs)
Canada: 125 kg
Australia: Up from 123 kg in 2010 to 147 kg in 2021
Yet recycling rates are shockingly low — just 5% in the U.S., 16% in Canada, and 12.5% in Australia.
These figures underscore a universal problem – the vast majority of plastics, including countless single-use ponchos, persist in the environment for centuries, breaking down into microplastics that contaminate our food, water, and air.
Meanwhile, the scale of marine pollution also continues to grow. A recent study published in (PLOS) estimates over 170 trillion plastic particles are now floating in our oceans.
Living organisms tangled in microplastics. A sample of water collected off the coast of Hawaii shows how intertwined microplastics are in the daily lives of marine animals. Image Source - National Geographic. Photograph by David Liitschwager.
For leading attractions, these concerns translate directly into how your brand is perceived. Aligning with sustainable practices is no longer a niche choice; it's a critical component of corporate social responsibility and a powerful way to earn the appreciation and loyalty of guests who value environmental responsibility.
What Are Plastic Ponchos Made Of Anyway?
They’re made from petroleum-based materials like PE, PVC, EVA, and PP which are the same chemicals that fuel global warming. In short: today’s disposable ponchos are plastic-wrapped fossil fuels.
Traditional Plastic Poncho
Watch Out for Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing practice where a company presents its products as being more environmentally friendly than they actually are.
It’s becoming increasingly popular with plastic products including plastic ponchos. Labels such as “biodegradable” or “recyclable” may sound promising, but they’re often vague, unregulated, and misleading.
A poncho labeled “biodegradable,” for example, might still take decades, or even centuries to break down, and require certain conditions. Yet it can still legally carry the label, misleading well-meaning consumers. (You can learn more about this in our blog post here.)
Recycling, while valuable in theory, is also limited in practice. Its effectiveness depends on factors beyond your control, including local infrastructure, consumer behaviour, contamination, and demand for recycled materials.
True sustainability isn’t about vague claims or hopeful disposal. It’s about creating less waste to begin with.
The More Sustainable & Superior Alternative Is Already Here
Say hello to the Bio Poncho. Crafted from 100% GMO-free cornstarch, the Bio Poncho is entirely carbon-neutral and naturally renewable. Being 100% plant-based, plastic-free and certified compostable, it contains none of the harmful petrochemicals found in traditional plastic ponchos, making it the safest poncho for both your guests and the environment.
As the Bio Poncho is made from organic matter (cornstarch), it will break down into natural components like water, CO2, and biomass and will magically return to the earth as nutrient-rich compost, leaving no toxic residues or polluting microplastics behind.
Unlike traditional plastic ponchos, which often feel clammy and trap heat, the Bio Poncho is also designed for maximum breathability and comfort. Its velvety-soft texture feels great against the skin, and its enhanced elasticity and durability also ensures it fits better in windy or active conditions making it far less likely to tear.
