Around 400,000 people have signed a change.org petition against unnecessary plastic, with hundreds posting photos on social media using the hashtag #ridiculouspackaging, to show the ridiculous amount of packaing on what is supposed to be fresh food.
“Rows upon rows of glistening plastic packaging, smothering things like bananas, corn and oranges … as if they didn’t have their own fully biodegradable wrappings.
“As Aussies, we love our beaches, our Reef and all the creatures that live in it. We know the dependence on plastic has to end.
“It’s time that supermarkets and producers put an end to smothering their fruit and vegies — and our oceans — in plastic.”
“Supermarkets are in a unique position where they can be leaders in reducing plastic waste, by stopping single-use plastic and wrapping up small items of fruit and vegies individually.
“Sadly it appears that this is getting more frequent when it should be reducing.
“Banning plastic bags is only the tip of the iceberg," said one angry shopper.
“It’s got to stop — we need to come together as a community to make sure of that.”
A Woolworths spokesman told news.com.au that phasing out plastic bags is a “big step forward”, but there is still more work to be done.
“In recent months we have permanently removed plastic wrapping from produce lines such as avocado, organic spring onions, celery, kale and English spinach,” he said.
“These moves will help save more than 37 tonnes of plastic packaging on a yearly basis and we have plans to do even more throughout 2018.
“We’re also working to roll out convenient plastic recycling options for our customers in all supermarkets across the country by June 30 in partnership with the REDcycle program — a closed loop recycling solution where customers can return soft plastics used to package produce and groceries.”
A Coles spokesman said: “We are also actively working with our suppliers on more sustainable and recyclable forms of packaging across all products."
And Aldi?
“We are currently working with industry to trial packaging made from other materials in a hope to find a viable and sustainable alternative to single-use plastics,” said an Aldi spokeperson.
“As part of these alternatives we also consider the suitability of the packaging from our customer’s perspective.
“Some of our fresh fruit and vegetables are packaged in order to reduce bruising and protect the items from customer handling.
“This also helps reduce food waste and spoilage.
“Our commitment to reduce plastic waste is why all our stores have been completely free of single-use plastic bags since we opened in 2001.
“We also recycle 96 per cent of the plastic waste generated in our stores.”
Do you think there's too much plastic packaging around our food?
Regarding the unnecessary packaging, already mentioned here, which also extends to non-food items, such as magazines, and even hardware items, apart from being environmentally detrimental, it adds to the cost of the item. Packaging does not come free.