For "2", the answer is "it's complicated". Properly disposed of, minimal plastic packaging can prevent damage and therefore waste, resulting in a smaller envir

For "2", the answer is "it's complicated". Properly disposed of, minimal plastic packaging can prevent damage and therefore waste, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint than alternatives, including no packaging and reusable materials. The problem is that packaging is not always disposed of properly, and is not always minimal or justified by reasons other than marketing. Also, not all plastics are the same, some are more environmentally friendly than others and you may need more or less of it.