Packaging

I’ve been meaning to look at the whole issue of supermarkets recently, and haven’t quite got round to tackling it. It’s a big one. Just one little thing though – there’s an article in the Guardian today about packaging, that lists the supermarkets and what percentage of their packaging is recyclable:

Marks & Spencer 60%
Lidl 61%
Tesco 62%
Morrisons 68%
Asda/Sainsbury’s 70%
Markets/local retailers 79%

A couple of things to mention there. Firstly, come on M+S! This is a company with ambitious plans to make their stores and products sustainable and ethical. They’ve pioneered stores that use less power, are now selling fairtrade cotton, and have an ambitious five year plan to green the whole business. Unfortunately, they’re lagging behind in the packaging department. If you’ve ever been into a Marks and Spencer food department, you’ll understand – everything comes pre-packaged, and processed. They sell top of the range convenience foods mainly, and it appears that not only are they over-packaged, that packaging isn’t recyclable either.

More importantly, notice that markets and local retailers come out best. What are the markets doing (or not doing) that the supermarkets could learn from?
Some tips on packaging:

•  As always, the most important thing is to shop with your mind engaged. Think about the packaging, and how necessary it is.
• Be aware of over-packaged products. A coconut doesn’t need a wrapper. Bananas and melons don’t need them.
• Look out particularly for non-recyclable packaging. The one that winds me up most is the four apples on a styrofoam tray. That’s actually inconvenient anyway, let alone the fact that the tray will sit in a landfill for an eternity.
• Think too, about the prices. Someone has to be paid to put things in bags and wraps. One look at the prices alone between loose fresh produce and packaged produce ought to be enough to convince us really.
• Tell the supermarkets where they’re out of line. Post packaging back to them, or leave it all at their customer service desk. Nicely though.
• Best of all, go to the market.  Most of us don’t use them any more, and if you haven’t been to one for a while, find your nearest one and compare the shopping experience. Look at how things are sold to you – loose, or in paper bags. There are many good reasons to shop at the market. That’s something I’ll come back to another time.