Say goodbye to straws, takeaway coffee cups, single-use plates, and cutlery – businesses and individuals are finally waking up to the environmental impact of plastic use.

But unfortunately, despite the growing awareness, major supermarkets seem to be stuck in their old ways when it comes to plastic packaging.

Recently, Coles and Woolworths faced a storm of backlash from customers fed up with their excessive plastic use and lack of eco-friendly efforts.

We've all grown accustomed to our grocery bags brimming with plastic, but this time, the criticism hit harder than ever.

A Victorian shopper shared pictures on Facebook, showing various fresh produce and grocery items wrapped in plastic. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

Let's take a stroll through the lush produce section of our beloved Woolies. It's a haven for fresh fruits and veggies, right?

Well, not so fast. A frustrated Victorian shopper recently took matters into his own hands and shared his outrage on Facebook with some jaw-dropping photos.

The pictures tell a sorry tale. Zucchinis, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes, all bundled up in unnecessary plastic, cluttering the shelves. It's a plastic overload that's hard to ignore, and it's leaving eco-conscious shoppers scratching their heads in disbelief.

'A huge percentage of everything was covered in single-use plastic,' he lamented, adding that it's no wonder our plastic waste problem is such a huge matter considering the excessive usage.

Let's make our way to the tempting bakery section of Coles. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and our taste buds are ready for a treat. But hold on a second – what's this? Another concerned customer recently stumbled upon a shocking sight that left her fuming.

In disbelief, she shared an image on social media of an entire shelf filled with single cookies, each one in its own plastic container. 'This makes me angry,' she exclaimed. 'So much plastic for one cookie… Coles, you need to fix this.'

It's moments like these that make us question the excessive plastic packaging in our everyday lives. Do we really need that much plastic for a single cookie? It's time for supermarkets to step up and address these plastic blunders.

Customers have criticised the supermarket giants for their excessive use of plastic packaging. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

In response to the public's stand, both Coles and Woolies were quick to defend their sustainability practices and note the environmental initiatives that they already have in place.

Woolies said that they had removed over 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and vegetable range in recent years. They also emphasised that plastic packaging plays a role in reducing food wastage. For example, plastic-wrapped continental cucumbers have a longer shelf life, lasting three times longer than unwrapped ones.

In a groundbreaking move, Woolworths will take it a step further by discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide later this year, becoming the first major Australian supermarket to do so.

The retailer had already phased out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. Read more about it here.

Coles, too, has taken note of the concerns raised by their customers and has implemented various strategies as part of their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

According to a spokesperson, their Bakery cookies are packaged using recyclable materials made from 100% recycled plastic.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Coles has adopted as part of their ambitious Together to Zero waste campaign, which aims to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in their Coles Own Brand products.

A Coles customer aired out her anger at the individual cookie packaging in the bakery section of her local Coles. Credit: Facebook/P. Norton.

However, not everyone is buying into the statements made by Coles and Woolworths. Environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey isn't convinced that these supermarkets have truly grasped the evolving market dynamics.

'Consumers are no longer willing to accept supermarket shelves cluttered with plastic-wrapped fruits and veggies,' Dr Harvey passionately pointed out, challenging the 'plastic for shelf life' argument put forth by the supermarkets.

He emphasised the importance of shifting back to seasonal eating for the benefit of both our health and the environment.

Furthermore, Dr Harvey expressed scepticism about the term '100% recycled', which has caused much debate in Australia. He urged consumers to be cautious when evaluating such claims and to demand transparency from supermarkets.

'Plastic is a precious resource that is polluting our planet. It should not be squandered on unnecessary applications like individually wrapped cookies,' Dr Harvey exclaimed, adding that he couldn't wrap his head around Coles' decision to use excessive plastic packaging for cookies, especially in the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have faced criticism from customers over their excessive use of plastic packaging in produce and bakery sections.
• While the supermarkets have defended their sustainability practices, experts like environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey remain sceptical and urge for more action in reducing plastic waste.
• Dr Harvey emphasises the need for transparent and meaningful efforts to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers playing a crucial role in holding supermarkets accountable for their environmental impact.

As supermarkets continue to face scrutiny for their plastic packaging practices, it's clear that the issue of plastic waste is a pressing concern for many consumers. While Coles and Woolworths have made efforts to address the issue, opinions remain divided on whether their actions are enough.

Members, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the supermarkets' current sustainability initiatives, or do you believe more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste in stores? How can we strike a balance between reducing plastic use and maintaining food freshness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

 

[Lynjw]

Say goodbye to straws, takeaway coffee cups, single-use plates, and cutlery – businesses and individuals are finally waking up to the environmental impact of plastic use.

But unfortunately, despite the growing awareness, major supermarkets seem to be stuck in their old ways when it comes to plastic packaging.

Recently, Coles and Woolworths faced a storm of backlash from customers fed up with their excessive plastic use and lack of eco-friendly efforts.

We've all grown accustomed to our grocery bags brimming with plastic, but this time, the criticism hit harder than ever.

View attachment 17563

A Victorian shopper shared pictures on Facebook, showing various fresh produce and grocery items wrapped in plastic. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

Let's take a stroll through the lush produce section of our beloved Woolies. It's a haven for fresh fruits and veggies, right?

Well, not so fast. A frustrated Victorian shopper recently took matters into his own hands and shared his outrage on Facebook with some jaw-dropping photos.

The pictures tell a sorry tale. Zucchinis, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes, all bundled up in unnecessary plastic, cluttering the shelves. It's a plastic overload that's hard to ignore, and it's leaving eco-conscious shoppers scratching their heads in disbelief.

'A huge percentage of everything was covered in single-use plastic,' he lamented, adding that it's no wonder our plastic waste problem is such a huge matter considering the excessive usage.

Let's make our way to the tempting bakery section of Coles. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and our taste buds are ready for a treat. But hold on a second – what's this? Another concerned customer recently stumbled upon a shocking sight that left her fuming.

In disbelief, she shared an image on social media of an entire shelf filled with single cookies, each one in its own plastic container. 'This makes me angry,' she exclaimed. 'So much plastic for one cookie… Coles, you need to fix this.'

It's moments like these that make us question the excessive plastic packaging in our everyday lives. Do we really need that much plastic for a single cookie? It's time for supermarkets to step up and address these plastic blunders.

View attachment 17562

Customers have criticised the supermarket giants for their excessive use of plastic packaging. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

In response to the public's stand, both Coles and Woolies were quick to defend their sustainability practices and note the environmental initiatives that they already have in place.

Woolies said that they had removed over 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and vegetable range in recent years. They also emphasised that plastic packaging plays a role in reducing food wastage. For example, plastic-wrapped continental cucumbers have a longer shelf life, lasting three times longer than unwrapped ones.

In a groundbreaking move, Woolworths will take it a step further by discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide later this year, becoming the first major Australian supermarket to do so.

The retailer had already phased out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. Read more about it here.

Coles, too, has taken note of the concerns raised by their customers and has implemented various strategies as part of their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

According to a spokesperson, their Bakery cookies are packaged using recyclable materials made from 100% recycled plastic.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Coles has adopted as part of their ambitious Together to Zero waste campaign, which aims to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in their Coles Own Brand products.

View attachment 17564

A Coles customer aired out her anger at the individual cookie packaging in the bakery section of her local Coles. Credit: Facebook/P. Norton.

However, not everyone is buying into the statements made by Coles and Woolworths. Environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey isn't convinced that these supermarkets have truly grasped the evolving market dynamics.

'Consumers are no longer willing to accept supermarket shelves cluttered with plastic-wrapped fruits and veggies,' Dr Harvey passionately pointed out, challenging the 'plastic for shelf life' argument put forth by the supermarkets.

He emphasised the importance of shifting back to seasonal eating for the benefit of both our health and the environment.

Furthermore, Dr Harvey expressed scepticism about the term '100% recycled', which has caused much debate in Australia. He urged consumers to be cautious when evaluating such claims and to demand transparency from supermarkets.

'Plastic is a precious resource that is polluting our planet. It should not be squandered on unnecessary applications like individually wrapped cookies,' Dr Harvey exclaimed, adding that he couldn't wrap his head around Coles' decision to use excessive plastic packaging for cookies, especially in the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have faced criticism from customers over their excessive use of plastic packaging in produce and bakery sections.
• While the supermarkets have defended their sustainability practices, experts like environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey remain sceptical and urge for more action in reducing plastic waste.
• Dr Harvey emphasises the need for transparent and meaningful efforts to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers playing a crucial role in holding supermarkets accountable for their environmental impact.

As supermarkets continue to face scrutiny for their plastic packaging practices, it's clear that the issue of plastic waste is a pressing concern for many consumers. While Coles and Woolworths have made efforts to address the issue, opinions remain divided on whether their actions are enough.

Members, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the supermarkets' current sustainability initiatives, or do you believe more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste in stores? How can we strike a balance between reducing plastic use and maintaining food freshness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

Yes it is overkill. Fruit and veg can b put into cotton netted bags. Covid prob put an end to the help yourself containers for single rolls or cookies for health handling reasons. Although dried fruit snd nuts are still available this way.

 

[Ricci]

A lot of fruit and veg comes in its own packaging (skin) so why do we have to add extra wrap to it? I reckon we have gone way overboard with packaging. Every two weeks I fill a rubbish sack with plastic wrapping, be it fruit trays, plastic bottles, cake/biscuit containers or whatever. We should go back to how things used to be, bring back glass, paper, string bags etc. etc. It worked before, it can work again.

 

[Catnip]

I used to go to a shop near me and was able to use my own containers ... dried fruit, rolled oats, dishwashing detergent, shampoo, etx. They changed hands recently and this option no longer exists. We've got to change folks. The planet will not be able to heal if we don't.

 

[Liz49]

Say goodbye to straws, takeaway coffee cups, single-use plates, and cutlery – businesses and individuals are finally waking up to the environmental impact of plastic use.

But unfortunately, despite the growing awareness, major supermarkets seem to be stuck in their old ways when it comes to plastic packaging.

Recently, Coles and Woolworths faced a storm of backlash from customers fed up with their excessive plastic use and lack of eco-friendly efforts.

We've all grown accustomed to our grocery bags brimming with plastic, but this time, the criticism hit harder than ever.

View attachment 17563

A Victorian shopper shared pictures on Facebook, showing various fresh produce and grocery items wrapped in plastic. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

Let's take a stroll through the lush produce section of our beloved Woolies. It's a haven for fresh fruits and veggies, right?

Well, not so fast. A frustrated Victorian shopper recently took matters into his own hands and shared his outrage on Facebook with some jaw-dropping photos.

The pictures tell a sorry tale. Zucchinis, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes, all bundled up in unnecessary plastic, cluttering the shelves. It's a plastic overload that's hard to ignore, and it's leaving eco-conscious shoppers scratching their heads in disbelief.

'A huge percentage of everything was covered in single-use plastic,' he lamented, adding that it's no wonder our plastic waste problem is such a huge matter considering the excessive usage.

Let's make our way to the tempting bakery section of Coles. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and our taste buds are ready for a treat. But hold on a second – what's this? Another concerned customer recently stumbled upon a shocking sight that left her fuming.

In disbelief, she shared an image on social media of an entire shelf filled with single cookies, each one in its own plastic container. 'This makes me angry,' she exclaimed. 'So much plastic for one cookie… Coles, you need to fix this.'

It's moments like these that make us question the excessive plastic packaging in our everyday lives. Do we really need that much plastic for a single cookie? It's time for supermarkets to step up and address these plastic blunders.

View attachment 17562

Customers have criticised the supermarket giants for their excessive use of plastic packaging. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

In response to the public's stand, both Coles and Woolies were quick to defend their sustainability practices and note the environmental initiatives that they already have in place.

Woolies said that they had removed over 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and vegetable range in recent years. They also emphasised that plastic packaging plays a role in reducing food wastage. For example, plastic-wrapped continental cucumbers have a longer shelf life, lasting three times longer than unwrapped ones.

In a groundbreaking move, Woolworths will take it a step further by discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide later this year, becoming the first major Australian supermarket to do so.

The retailer had already phased out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. Read more about it here.

Coles, too, has taken note of the concerns raised by their customers and has implemented various strategies as part of their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

According to a spokesperson, their Bakery cookies are packaged using recyclable materials made from 100% recycled plastic.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Coles has adopted as part of their ambitious Together to Zero waste campaign, which aims to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in their Coles Own Brand products.

View attachment 17564

A Coles customer aired out her anger at the individual cookie packaging in the bakery section of her local Coles. Credit: Facebook/P. Norton.

However, not everyone is buying into the statements made by Coles and Woolworths. Environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey isn't convinced that these supermarkets have truly grasped the evolving market dynamics.

'Consumers are no longer willing to accept supermarket shelves cluttered with plastic-wrapped fruits and veggies,' Dr Harvey passionately pointed out, challenging the 'plastic for shelf life' argument put forth by the supermarkets.

He emphasised the importance of shifting back to seasonal eating for the benefit of both our health and the environment.

Furthermore, Dr Harvey expressed scepticism about the term '100% recycled', which has caused much debate in Australia. He urged consumers to be cautious when evaluating such claims and to demand transparency from supermarkets.

'Plastic is a precious resource that is polluting our planet. It should not be squandered on unnecessary applications like individually wrapped cookies,' Dr Harvey exclaimed, adding that he couldn't wrap his head around Coles' decision to use excessive plastic packaging for cookies, especially in the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have faced criticism from customers over their excessive use of plastic packaging in produce and bakery sections.
• While the supermarkets have defended their sustainability practices, experts like environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey remain sceptical and urge for more action in reducing plastic waste.
• Dr Harvey emphasises the need for transparent and meaningful efforts to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers playing a crucial role in holding supermarkets accountable for their environmental impact.

As supermarkets continue to face scrutiny for their plastic packaging practices, it's clear that the issue of plastic waste is a pressing concern for many consumers. While Coles and Woolworths have made efforts to address the issue, opinions remain divided on whether their actions are enough.

Members, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the supermarkets' current sustainability initiatives, or do you believe more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste in stores? How can we strike a balance between reducing plastic use and maintaining food freshness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

The packaging I have an issue with is the ones with the "drainage pattern" in the bottom of the meat ones. It smells revolting and puts the smell through everything. Also the cardboard ones used for the Woolworths Macro meats. Put a pack in the freezer and it was off when I thawed it out. In the end sandwich bags and the rest of that type are really best. Can be washed out and re used. If you really want to

 

[ImogenWeekly]

Say goodbye to straws, takeaway coffee cups, single-use plates, and cutlery – businesses and individuals are finally waking up to the environmental impact of plastic use.

But unfortunately, despite the growing awareness, major supermarkets seem to be stuck in their old ways when it comes to plastic packaging.

Recently, Coles and Woolworths faced a storm of backlash from customers fed up with their excessive plastic use and lack of eco-friendly efforts.

We've all grown accustomed to our grocery bags brimming with plastic, but this time, the criticism hit harder than ever.

View attachment 17563

A Victorian shopper shared pictures on Facebook, showing various fresh produce and grocery items wrapped in plastic. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

Let's take a stroll through the lush produce section of our beloved Woolies. It's a haven for fresh fruits and veggies, right?

Well, not so fast. A frustrated Victorian shopper recently took matters into his own hands and shared his outrage on Facebook with some jaw-dropping photos.

The pictures tell a sorry tale. Zucchinis, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes, all bundled up in unnecessary plastic, cluttering the shelves. It's a plastic overload that's hard to ignore, and it's leaving eco-conscious shoppers scratching their heads in disbelief.

'A huge percentage of everything was covered in single-use plastic,' he lamented, adding that it's no wonder our plastic waste problem is such a huge matter considering the excessive usage.

Let's make our way to the tempting bakery section of Coles. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and our taste buds are ready for a treat. But hold on a second – what's this? Another concerned customer recently stumbled upon a shocking sight that left her fuming.

In disbelief, she shared an image on social media of an entire shelf filled with single cookies, each one in its own plastic container. 'This makes me angry,' she exclaimed. 'So much plastic for one cookie… Coles, you need to fix this.'

It's moments like these that make us question the excessive plastic packaging in our everyday lives. Do we really need that much plastic for a single cookie? It's time for supermarkets to step up and address these plastic blunders.

View attachment 17562

Customers have criticised the supermarket giants for their excessive use of plastic packaging. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

In response to the public's stand, both Coles and Woolies were quick to defend their sustainability practices and note the environmental initiatives that they already have in place.

Woolies said that they had removed over 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and vegetable range in recent years. They also emphasised that plastic packaging plays a role in reducing food wastage. For example, plastic-wrapped continental cucumbers have a longer shelf life, lasting three times longer than unwrapped ones.

In a groundbreaking move, Woolworths will take it a step further by discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide later this year, becoming the first major Australian supermarket to do so.

The retailer had already phased out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. Read more about it here.

Coles, too, has taken note of the concerns raised by their customers and has implemented various strategies as part of their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

According to a spokesperson, their Bakery cookies are packaged using recyclable materials made from 100% recycled plastic.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Coles has adopted as part of their ambitious Together to Zero waste campaign, which aims to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in their Coles Own Brand products.

View attachment 17564

A Coles customer aired out her anger at the individual cookie packaging in the bakery section of her local Coles. Credit: Facebook/P. Norton.

However, not everyone is buying into the statements made by Coles and Woolworths. Environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey isn't convinced that these supermarkets have truly grasped the evolving market dynamics.

'Consumers are no longer willing to accept supermarket shelves cluttered with plastic-wrapped fruits and veggies,' Dr Harvey passionately pointed out, challenging the 'plastic for shelf life' argument put forth by the supermarkets.

He emphasised the importance of shifting back to seasonal eating for the benefit of both our health and the environment.

Furthermore, Dr Harvey expressed scepticism about the term '100% recycled', which has caused much debate in Australia. He urged consumers to be cautious when evaluating such claims and to demand transparency from supermarkets.

'Plastic is a precious resource that is polluting our planet. It should not be squandered on unnecessary applications like individually wrapped cookies,' Dr Harvey exclaimed, adding that he couldn't wrap his head around Coles' decision to use excessive plastic packaging for cookies, especially in the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have faced criticism from customers over their excessive use of plastic packaging in produce and bakery sections.
• While the supermarkets have defended their sustainability practices, experts like environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey remain sceptical and urge for more action in reducing plastic waste.
• Dr Harvey emphasises the need for transparent and meaningful efforts to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers playing a crucial role in holding supermarkets accountable for their environmental impact.

As supermarkets continue to face scrutiny for their plastic packaging practices, it's clear that the issue of plastic waste is a pressing concern for many consumers. While Coles and Woolworths have made efforts to address the issue, opinions remain divided on whether their actions are enough.

Members, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the supermarkets' current sustainability initiatives, or do you believe more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste in stores? How can we strike a balance between reducing plastic use and maintaining food freshness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

I think its understandable that

 

[Penny4]

I guess the plastic packaging is a plus instead of people continually squeezing fruit and avocados to see if they're ripe. Consumers have to buy these bruised fruit, often unnoticed when buying at the time.
It's happened to me.

 

[Jennylolo]

a lot of prepackaged restricts what can be selected and also one is often forced to buy more than needed as the loose available is often a small amount and not in good shape. So why can't we choose which we prefer. It's why I don't do online. Saying wrapping a cucumber reduces waste as it lasts longer - the plastic doesn't break down like organics do. I do grow what I can and there is no wastage.

 

[terri]

I dont like all the packaaging on these fruit and veggies, but I would prefer to try and deal with plastic than the many unwashed hands, some from littlies checking everything out, that touch these products constantly. I have worked in a supermarket and I have seen first hand what some people think is ok behaviour. What needs to happen is the return of the soft plastic recycling. It did make a difference.

 

[Jill Overton]

I can’t believe we are going backwards. The plastic bags provided in coles and woolies are worse than the previous ones and take much longer to break down in the environment. They are still petrochemical based and are bad for the earth. The fruit and vege packaging seems to be
increasing. The soft plastics collections have stopped in some places. This would be an opportunity for the government to provide recycling plants and job opportunities. After all, governments are supposed to be elected to care for our country.

 

[Nana Zorak]

I have made fruit & veg bags out of sheer & net fabric & always carry a supply of the same in my handbag. I have often offered bags to other shoppers it really depends on how keen they are to ditch the plastic to how they receive the offer. But I keep on trying to educate others about my way of thinking.

 

[POG]

Say goodbye to straws, takeaway coffee cups, single-use plates, and cutlery – businesses and individuals are finally waking up to the environmental impact of plastic use.

But unfortunately, despite the growing awareness, major supermarkets seem to be stuck in their old ways when it comes to plastic packaging.

Recently, Coles and Woolworths faced a storm of backlash from customers fed up with their excessive plastic use and lack of eco-friendly efforts.

We've all grown accustomed to our grocery bags brimming with plastic, but this time, the criticism hit harder than ever.

View attachment 17563

A Victorian shopper shared pictures on Facebook, showing various fresh produce and grocery items wrapped in plastic. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

Let's take a stroll through the lush produce section of our beloved Woolies. It's a haven for fresh fruits and veggies, right?

Well, not so fast. A frustrated Victorian shopper recently took matters into his own hands and shared his outrage on Facebook with some jaw-dropping photos.

The pictures tell a sorry tale. Zucchinis, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes, all bundled up in unnecessary plastic, cluttering the shelves. It's a plastic overload that's hard to ignore, and it's leaving eco-conscious shoppers scratching their heads in disbelief.

'A huge percentage of everything was covered in single-use plastic,' he lamented, adding that it's no wonder our plastic waste problem is such a huge matter considering the excessive usage.

Let's make our way to the tempting bakery section of Coles. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and our taste buds are ready for a treat. But hold on a second – what's this? Another concerned customer recently stumbled upon a shocking sight that left her fuming.

In disbelief, she shared an image on social media of an entire shelf filled with single cookies, each one in its own plastic container. 'This makes me angry,' she exclaimed. 'So much plastic for one cookie… Coles, you need to fix this.'

It's moments like these that make us question the excessive plastic packaging in our everyday lives. Do we really need that much plastic for a single cookie? It's time for supermarkets to step up and address these plastic blunders.

View attachment 17562

Customers have criticised the supermarket giants for their excessive use of plastic packaging. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

In response to the public's stand, both Coles and Woolies were quick to defend their sustainability practices and note the environmental initiatives that they already have in place.

Woolies said that they had removed over 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and vegetable range in recent years. They also emphasised that plastic packaging plays a role in reducing food wastage. For example, plastic-wrapped continental cucumbers have a longer shelf life, lasting three times longer than unwrapped ones.

In a groundbreaking move, Woolworths will take it a step further by discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide later this year, becoming the first major Australian supermarket to do so.

The retailer had already phased out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. Read more about it here.

Coles, too, has taken note of the concerns raised by their customers and has implemented various strategies as part of their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

According to a spokesperson, their Bakery cookies are packaged using recyclable materials made from 100% recycled plastic.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Coles has adopted as part of their ambitious Together to Zero waste campaign, which aims to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in their Coles Own Brand products.

View attachment 17564

A Coles customer aired out her anger at the individual cookie packaging in the bakery section of her local Coles. Credit: Facebook/P. Norton.

However, not everyone is buying into the statements made by Coles and Woolworths. Environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey isn't convinced that these supermarkets have truly grasped the evolving market dynamics.

'Consumers are no longer willing to accept supermarket shelves cluttered with plastic-wrapped fruits and veggies,' Dr Harvey passionately pointed out, challenging the 'plastic for shelf life' argument put forth by the supermarkets.

He emphasised the importance of shifting back to seasonal eating for the benefit of both our health and the environment.

Furthermore, Dr Harvey expressed scepticism about the term '100% recycled', which has caused much debate in Australia. He urged consumers to be cautious when evaluating such claims and to demand transparency from supermarkets.

'Plastic is a precious resource that is polluting our planet. It should not be squandered on unnecessary applications like individually wrapped cookies,' Dr Harvey exclaimed, adding that he couldn't wrap his head around Coles' decision to use excessive plastic packaging for cookies, especially in the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have faced criticism from customers over their excessive use of plastic packaging in produce and bakery sections.
• While the supermarkets have defended their sustainability practices, experts like environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey remain sceptical and urge for more action in reducing plastic waste.
• Dr Harvey emphasises the need for transparent and meaningful efforts to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers playing a crucial role in holding supermarkets accountable for their environmental impact.

As supermarkets continue to face scrutiny for their plastic packaging practices, it's clear that the issue of plastic waste is a pressing concern for many consumers. While Coles and Woolworths have made efforts to address the issue, opinions remain divided on whether their actions are enough.

Members, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the supermarkets' current sustainability initiatives, or do you believe more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste in stores? How can we strike a balance between reducing plastic use and maintaining food freshness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

They are totally irresponsible. I cringe every time I walk down their aisles. I stopped buying items pre-packaged in plastic.

 

[KiwiTrish]

Say goodbye to straws, takeaway coffee cups, single-use plates, and cutlery – businesses and individuals are finally waking up to the environmental impact of plastic use.

But unfortunately, despite the growing awareness, major supermarkets seem to be stuck in their old ways when it comes to plastic packaging.

Recently, Coles and Woolworths faced a storm of backlash from customers fed up with their excessive plastic use and lack of eco-friendly efforts.

We've all grown accustomed to our grocery bags brimming with plastic, but this time, the criticism hit harder than ever.

View attachment 17563

A Victorian shopper shared pictures on Facebook, showing various fresh produce and grocery items wrapped in plastic. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

Let's take a stroll through the lush produce section of our beloved Woolies. It's a haven for fresh fruits and veggies, right?

Well, not so fast. A frustrated Victorian shopper recently took matters into his own hands and shared his outrage on Facebook with some jaw-dropping photos.

The pictures tell a sorry tale. Zucchinis, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes, all bundled up in unnecessary plastic, cluttering the shelves. It's a plastic overload that's hard to ignore, and it's leaving eco-conscious shoppers scratching their heads in disbelief.

'A huge percentage of everything was covered in single-use plastic,' he lamented, adding that it's no wonder our plastic waste problem is such a huge matter considering the excessive usage.

Let's make our way to the tempting bakery section of Coles. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and our taste buds are ready for a treat. But hold on a second – what's this? Another concerned customer recently stumbled upon a shocking sight that left her fuming.

In disbelief, she shared an image on social media of an entire shelf filled with single cookies, each one in its own plastic container. 'This makes me angry,' she exclaimed. 'So much plastic for one cookie… Coles, you need to fix this.'

It's moments like these that make us question the excessive plastic packaging in our everyday lives. Do we really need that much plastic for a single cookie? It's time for supermarkets to step up and address these plastic blunders.

View attachment 17562

Customers have criticised the supermarket giants for their excessive use of plastic packaging. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

In response to the public's stand, both Coles and Woolies were quick to defend their sustainability practices and note the environmental initiatives that they already have in place.

Woolies said that they had removed over 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and vegetable range in recent years. They also emphasised that plastic packaging plays a role in reducing food wastage. For example, plastic-wrapped continental cucumbers have a longer shelf life, lasting three times longer than unwrapped ones.

In a groundbreaking move, Woolworths will take it a step further by discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide later this year, becoming the first major Australian supermarket to do so.

The retailer had already phased out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. Read more about it here.

Coles, too, has taken note of the concerns raised by their customers and has implemented various strategies as part of their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

According to a spokesperson, their Bakery cookies are packaged using recyclable materials made from 100% recycled plastic.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Coles has adopted as part of their ambitious Together to Zero waste campaign, which aims to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in their Coles Own Brand products.

View attachment 17564

A Coles customer aired out her anger at the individual cookie packaging in the bakery section of her local Coles. Credit: Facebook/P. Norton.

However, not everyone is buying into the statements made by Coles and Woolworths. Environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey isn't convinced that these supermarkets have truly grasped the evolving market dynamics.

'Consumers are no longer willing to accept supermarket shelves cluttered with plastic-wrapped fruits and veggies,' Dr Harvey passionately pointed out, challenging the 'plastic for shelf life' argument put forth by the supermarkets.

He emphasised the importance of shifting back to seasonal eating for the benefit of both our health and the environment.

Furthermore, Dr Harvey expressed scepticism about the term '100% recycled', which has caused much debate in Australia. He urged consumers to be cautious when evaluating such claims and to demand transparency from supermarkets.

'Plastic is a precious resource that is polluting our planet. It should not be squandered on unnecessary applications like individually wrapped cookies,' Dr Harvey exclaimed, adding that he couldn't wrap his head around Coles' decision to use excessive plastic packaging for cookies, especially in the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have faced criticism from customers over their excessive use of plastic packaging in produce and bakery sections.
• While the supermarkets have defended their sustainability practices, experts like environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey remain sceptical and urge for more action in reducing plastic waste.
• Dr Harvey emphasises the need for transparent and meaningful efforts to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers playing a crucial role in holding supermarkets accountable for their environmental impact.

As supermarkets continue to face scrutiny for their plastic packaging practices, it's clear that the issue of plastic waste is a pressing concern for many consumers. While Coles and Woolworths have made efforts to address the issue, opinions remain divided on whether their actions are enough.

Members, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the supermarkets' current sustainability initiatives, or do you believe more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste in stores? How can we strike a balance between reducing plastic use and maintaining food freshness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

It’s just making it easier at the checkout for the staff don’t have to weigh and look up the code time to go back to the “old” days grab your own amount and they have to get the code and weigh them

 

[Ezzy]

When at High School l had a job after school at a Greengrocer putting potatoes into brown paper bags for sale. These were strong enough to be carried with the top screwed over. Tomatoes & other vegies were sold in brown paper bags which could be reused. With our ability to recycle paper why can't we go back to paper bags for fruit & veg without knocking down more trees?

My thought with the single biscuit is cellophane with a non-lick sticker similar to that on an envelope. Place the biscuit in the bag, peel off the backing paper & seal the package.

l look for ways all the time to reuse plastic packaging but only so much can be accumulated. Gladwrap from vegies can be reused to line a paint tray to avoid cleaning with water & so on, but l can only do so much painting. Plastic containers are used for my hobby or in the garage. Buy we still need a better way to package our products sooner rather than later! We are trashing our beautiful Planet with non-recyclable products. Burn these & we pollute the air we breathe, bury these & they stay in the ground for eons.

 

[Sandygwalk]

Yes the amount of plastic used by shops is still too much and alot of new Australians don't care either.

 

[WriterlySloth]

Yes it is overkill. Fruit and veg can b put into cotton netted bags. Covid prob put an end to the help yourself containers for single rolls or cookies for health handling reasons. Although dried fruit snd nuts are still available this way.

Netted bags would be great if the majority of them weren’t also made of plastic. Which unfortunately they are. Great idea though. They need to do better.

 

[WriterlySloth]

Say goodbye to straws, takeaway coffee cups, single-use plates, and cutlery – businesses and individuals are finally waking up to the environmental impact of plastic use.

But unfortunately, despite the growing awareness, major supermarkets seem to be stuck in their old ways when it comes to plastic packaging.

Recently, Coles and Woolworths faced a storm of backlash from customers fed up with their excessive plastic use and lack of eco-friendly efforts.

We've all grown accustomed to our grocery bags brimming with plastic, but this time, the criticism hit harder than ever.

View attachment 17563

A Victorian shopper shared pictures on Facebook, showing various fresh produce and grocery items wrapped in plastic. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

Let's take a stroll through the lush produce section of our beloved Woolies. It's a haven for fresh fruits and veggies, right?

Well, not so fast. A frustrated Victorian shopper recently took matters into his own hands and shared his outrage on Facebook with some jaw-dropping photos.

The pictures tell a sorry tale. Zucchinis, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes, all bundled up in unnecessary plastic, cluttering the shelves. It's a plastic overload that's hard to ignore, and it's leaving eco-conscious shoppers scratching their heads in disbelief.

'A huge percentage of everything was covered in single-use plastic,' he lamented, adding that it's no wonder our plastic waste problem is such a huge matter considering the excessive usage.

Let's make our way to the tempting bakery section of Coles. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and our taste buds are ready for a treat. But hold on a second – what's this? Another concerned customer recently stumbled upon a shocking sight that left her fuming.

In disbelief, she shared an image on social media of an entire shelf filled with single cookies, each one in its own plastic container. 'This makes me angry,' she exclaimed. 'So much plastic for one cookie… Coles, you need to fix this.'

It's moments like these that make us question the excessive plastic packaging in our everyday lives. Do we really need that much plastic for a single cookie? It's time for supermarkets to step up and address these plastic blunders.

View attachment 17562

Customers have criticised the supermarket giants for their excessive use of plastic packaging. Credit: Facebook/B. Condon.

In response to the public's stand, both Coles and Woolies were quick to defend their sustainability practices and note the environmental initiatives that they already have in place.

Woolies said that they had removed over 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and vegetable range in recent years. They also emphasised that plastic packaging plays a role in reducing food wastage. For example, plastic-wrapped continental cucumbers have a longer shelf life, lasting three times longer than unwrapped ones.

In a groundbreaking move, Woolworths will take it a step further by discontinuing the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags nationwide later this year, becoming the first major Australian supermarket to do so.

The retailer had already phased out single-use plastic shopping bags in 2018. Read more about it here.

Coles, too, has taken note of the concerns raised by their customers and has implemented various strategies as part of their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

According to a spokesperson, their Bakery cookies are packaged using recyclable materials made from 100% recycled plastic.

This is just one of the many initiatives that Coles has adopted as part of their ambitious Together to Zero waste campaign, which aims to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in their Coles Own Brand products.

View attachment 17564

A Coles customer aired out her anger at the individual cookie packaging in the bakery section of her local Coles. Credit: Facebook/P. Norton.

However, not everyone is buying into the statements made by Coles and Woolworths. Environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey isn't convinced that these supermarkets have truly grasped the evolving market dynamics.

'Consumers are no longer willing to accept supermarket shelves cluttered with plastic-wrapped fruits and veggies,' Dr Harvey passionately pointed out, challenging the 'plastic for shelf life' argument put forth by the supermarkets.

He emphasised the importance of shifting back to seasonal eating for the benefit of both our health and the environment.

Furthermore, Dr Harvey expressed scepticism about the term '100% recycled', which has caused much debate in Australia. He urged consumers to be cautious when evaluating such claims and to demand transparency from supermarkets.

'Plastic is a precious resource that is polluting our planet. It should not be squandered on unnecessary applications like individually wrapped cookies,' Dr Harvey exclaimed, adding that he couldn't wrap his head around Coles' decision to use excessive plastic packaging for cookies, especially in the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have faced criticism from customers over their excessive use of plastic packaging in produce and bakery sections.
• While the supermarkets have defended their sustainability practices, experts like environmental scientist Dr Paul Harvey remain sceptical and urge for more action in reducing plastic waste.
• Dr Harvey emphasises the need for transparent and meaningful efforts to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers playing a crucial role in holding supermarkets accountable for their environmental impact.

As supermarkets continue to face scrutiny for their plastic packaging practices, it's clear that the issue of plastic waste is a pressing concern for many consumers. While Coles and Woolworths have made efforts to address the issue, opinions remain divided on whether their actions are enough.

Members, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the supermarkets' current sustainability initiatives, or do you believe more needs to be done to reduce plastic waste in stores? How can we strike a balance between reducing plastic use and maintaining food freshness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

Celopha is completely recyclable. Why don’t they just use that?

 

[Ezzy]

Celopha is completely recyclable. Why don’t they just use that?

Please excuse my ignorance when l ask what CELOPHA is. Thankyou.

 

[WriterlySloth]

Celopha is completely recyclable. Why don’t they just use that?

Cellophane. Please forgive my typo.

 

[Ezzy]

Thankyou. That does make a lot of sense.

Cellophane. Please forgive my typo.