“[Plastic reduction] is being demanded now in a way it never has been before. There is a consumer awareness of what it means to live sustainably.” – Lori Taylor (6:35-7:00)
Changing the world, one package at a time.
Andrea Watson is the Founder and Chief Brand Ambassador of Nature Knows, a company dedicated to sustainable packaging for fresh produce. Driven by a passion for the environment and practical solutions, Andrea has been recognized as a leading entrepreneur in the food industry, and Nature Knows earned distinction for innovation in 2019. Her work focuses on removing single-use plastic from the produce aisle while helping families keep fresh food on the table.
Andrea’s journey began simply: packing lunches for her daughter. That routine revealed how much packaging surrounds the produce we buy. Bags, trays, and wrappers protect items during transport, but they also create large amounts of waste. Since 1950, over 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced, yet only about 9% of plastics are recycled. Much of what remains — nearly 90% of disposable packaging — is destined for landfills.
Discussions about sustainability have often centered on energy and water conservation, but waste reduction deserves equal attention. Packaging is a major contributor to the problem, and changing the way we package fresh food can make a measurable difference. Nature Knows offers a practical alternative that makes it easier for consumers to choose sustainable options without sacrificing convenience or quality.
What is Nature Knows?
Nature Knows produces ready-to-eat fresh fruit and vegetables that are pre-washed using a proprietary, all-natural process. These items are sold in containers made from plant-based materials that come from the earth and return to the earth. The packaging performs like plastic in terms of protection and appearance but is fully compostable and breathable, helping keep produce fresher longer.
Compared to typical plastic produce packaging, the price difference for Nature Knows products is minimal when measured against the benefits: reduced plastic waste, less food spoilage, and the convenience of grabbing produce that is ready to eat straight from the bag or box. Busy lives mean many people skip prep, and pre-washed produce helps prevent food from spoiling at the back of the fridge. That practicality reduces household food waste as well as single-use plastic.
“We increase freshness 50% more than if it was in a plastic cup or tray. It’s huge in terms of saving the food waste.” – Andrea Watson (8:45)
The packaging — sometimes called “eco-friendly plastic” — is made from corn-based materials. It looks and functions like conventional plastic but is designed to be breathable and fully compostable. This means the containers help maintain freshness and can break down naturally.
What if I don’t compost?
Composting can feel like an extra task when schedules are full, and that’s understandable. Nature Knows designs packaging with everyone in mind. Because the materials are plant-based and natural, they will break down over time without producing harmful chemicals in landfill conditions. While composting (home or commercial) accelerates decomposition and returns nutrients to the soil more quickly, these products will still degrade over time if they end up in regular waste.
Nature Knows calls this outcome “good garbage” — the idea that even discarded packaging can be less harmful because it is made from renewable, compostable materials. Whether you compost diligently or simply discard responsibly, choosing compostable packaging reduces the long-term environmental impact compared with traditional plastics.
How to get involved
- Join the community conversation with The Produce Moms group on Facebook to learn more about sustainable produce and practical tips for reducing waste.
- Reach out to the podcast or community hosts to share your experiences with packaging, sustainability, or running a business focused on better food systems.
- Look for Nature Knows products at retailers near you to try plant-based, compostable produce packaging and see how it fits your family’s routine.
- Follow Nature Knows on social media to stay informed about new products, sustainability initiatives, and ways to reduce household waste.
If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your podcast platform of choice. Your feedback helps spread the message about practical ways to eliminate plastic waste and support sustainable packaging innovations.
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- Episode 86: The Future of Nutrition is Personalized with Allison Baker, VP of Business Development at Baze
- Episode 85: Facts on the ‘French Fry Famine’ of 2020 with Frank Muir, President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission
- Episode 84: Saving Time While Snacking with Tony Freytag, Executive VP of Crunch Pak
- Episode 83: Truly Organic, Truly Fair with Alex & Iris Madrigal
- Episode 82: Waste as a Resource with Gina Lee, Founder of UPcyclers Network
How do you eliminate plastic waste in your kitchen? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.