When it comes to environmental concerns, we are no strangers to the conversation. Many have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution on our beautiful Australian landscape throughout the decades.

So, when news emerged of plastic-wrapped cucumbers being sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, many shoppers were up in arms.

Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture on the social media platform Twitter showcasing the individually shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers on display at the Woolworths store in Canberra.

Massola expressed his disappointment in the use of plastic packaging despite Woolworths banning single-use plastic bags – a move that had been widely praised.

The journalist shared a photo of the individually-wrapped cucumbers on social media. Credit: Toa Heftiba Şinca/Pexels

‘I think the ACT government's plastic bag ban was a terrific decision. But the decision by Woolworths to individually plastic-wrap cucumbers (and some other vegetables) defeats the purpose of a plastic ban. Also, why on earth do cucumbers need to be wrapped?’ He questioned in his post.

The sentiment was echoed by many others who shared in Massola's outrage.

‘Agreed. Here we are trying to reduce the volume of plastics in our life and our environment, and they make it unavoidable!' said one user.

‘Woolies were all anti-plastic when they decided to stop providing them free at checkouts, so now you have to buy paper bags, but not so anti-plastic on the shelves,’ another replied.

Massola said that the packaging defeated Woolworths’ ban on plastic. Credit: Twitter

However, a range of other opinions arose as people began to discuss the matter, with some shoppers defending Woolworths and explaining the reasoning behind the plastic wrapping.

These supporters pointed out that the packaging helps reduce food waste by keeping the cucumbers fresher for longer.

‘Continental cucumbers dehydrate quickly, become limp, and are vulnerable to damage during their journey from the greenhouse to your fridge. By acting as a second skin, the plastic film extends their shelf-life by almost a full week,’ wrote one social media user.

‘They last dramatically longer wrapped. So, it actually reduces waste,’ another commented.

‘It’s minimal environmental impact compared to throwing out a cucumber that’s rotten in half the time,’ someone else replied.

Woolworths responded to reporters, acknowledging the delicate balance between removing plastic packaging and reducing food wastage.

‘We're working to make grocery shopping more sustainable, and we're always looking to understand what changes can deliver the most benefit for the environment,’ the Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘While removing plastic is always our first preference, in some cases, it's a balancing act where we also need to consider food waste carefully. Some fresh produce items in Woolworths’ range are packaged to help extend shelf life and reduce food waste. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn't,’ they explained.

Since 2018, Woolworths has set a range of targets to improve the sustainability of its brand packaging.

The supermarket giant hopes to achieve an average of 60 per cent recycled content across Own Brand packaging by the end of 2025 and aims to halve the use of virgin plastic packaging by 2024.

This issue comes after it was announced that ALDI is embracing eco-friendly packaging by introducing its brown paper bags to shoppers.

The decision to move towards environmentally-conscious solutions is estimated to remove more than 888 tonnes of plastic circulation annually. You can read the rest of the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A furious shopper criticised Woolworths for selling plastic-wrapped cucumbers despite its ban on single-use plastic.
• Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture of shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
• Some defended Woolworths, stating that plastic wrapping reduces food waste by keeping cucumbers fresh for longer.
• Woolworths explained that it is a balancing act between removing plastic packaging and food wastage, and they are working to make grocery shopping more sustainable while considering the environmental impact.

Members, what do you think about the use of plastic packaging in supermarkets? Is it an important way to help keep fresh produce fresher for longer, or is it something that needs to be paid more attention to? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

[Thecheesequeen]

Hm . . I wonder why Lebanese cucumbers don’t require plastic wrap?

 

[Suzanne rose]

So petty !! There are more serious issues to worry about.

I do believe what they are wrapped in does keep them fresher longer

 

[terri]

The plastic issue is not going to be solved over night. Some things take longer. Reduction of plastic is happening so we need to be patient with the process and stop whinging about every bit of plastic that they see.

 

[Diane123]

They have been plastic wrapped for years and it does keep them fresher. To answer why don’t Lebanese cucumbers require plastic wrap, I don’t buy them often but I bought one last week and it went limp very quickly. We grow our own cucumbers in summer and I wrap them in plastic tp keep them longer.

 

[NotNats]

When it comes to environmental concerns, we are no strangers to the conversation. Many have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution on our beautiful Australian landscape throughout the decades.

So, when news emerged of plastic-wrapped cucumbers being sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, many shoppers were up in arms.

Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture on the social media platform Twitter showcasing the individually shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers on display at the Woolworths store in Canberra.

Massola expressed his disappointment in the use of plastic packaging despite Woolworths banning single-use plastic bags – a move that had been widely praised.

View attachment 21631

The journalist shared a photo of the individually-wrapped cucumbers on social media. Credit: Toa Heftiba Şinca/Pexels

‘I think the ACT government's plastic bag ban was a terrific decision. But the decision by Woolworths to individually plastic-wrap cucumbers (and some other vegetables) defeats the purpose of a plastic ban. Also, why on earth do cucumbers need to be wrapped?’ He questioned in his post.

The sentiment was echoed by many others who shared in Massola's outrage.

‘Agreed. Here we are trying to reduce the volume of plastics in our life and our environment, and they make it unavoidable!' said one user.

‘Woolies were all anti-plastic when they decided to stop providing them free at checkouts, so now you have to buy paper bags, but not so anti-plastic on the shelves,’ another replied.

View attachment 21632

Massola said that the packaging defeated Woolworths’ ban on plastic. Credit: Twitter

However, a range of other opinions arose as people began to discuss the matter, with some shoppers defending Woolworths and explaining the reasoning behind the plastic wrapping.

These supporters pointed out that the packaging helps reduce food waste by keeping the cucumbers fresher for longer.

‘Continental cucumbers dehydrate quickly, become limp, and are vulnerable to damage during their journey from the greenhouse to your fridge. By acting as a second skin, the plastic film extends their shelf-life by almost a full week,’ wrote one social media user.

‘They last dramatically longer wrapped. So, it actually reduces waste,’ another commented.

‘It’s minimal environmental impact compared to throwing out a cucumber that’s rotten in half the time,’ someone else replied.

Woolworths responded to reporters, acknowledging the delicate balance between removing plastic packaging and reducing food wastage.

‘We're working to make grocery shopping more sustainable, and we're always looking to understand what changes can deliver the most benefit for the environment,’ the Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘While removing plastic is always our first preference, in some cases, it's a balancing act where we also need to consider food waste carefully. Some fresh produce items in Woolworths’ range are packaged to help extend shelf life and reduce food waste. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn't,’ they explained.

Since 2018, Woolworths has set a range of targets to improve the sustainability of its brand packaging.

The supermarket giant hopes to achieve an average of 60 per cent recycled content across Own Brand packaging by the end of 2025 and aims to halve the use of virgin plastic packaging by 2024.

This issue comes after it was announced that ALDI is embracing eco-friendly packaging by introducing its brown paper bags to shoppers.

The decision to move towards environmentally-conscious solutions is estimated to remove more than 888 tonnes of plastic circulation annually. You can read the rest of the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A furious shopper criticised Woolworths for selling plastic-wrapped cucumbers despite its ban on single-use plastic.
• Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture of shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
• Some defended Woolworths, stating that plastic wrapping reduces food waste by keeping cucumbers fresh for longer.
• Woolworths explained that it is a balancing act between removing plastic packaging and food wastage, and they are working to make grocery shopping more sustainable while considering the environmental impact.

Members, what do you think about the use of plastic packaging in supermarkets? Is it an important way to help keep fresh produce fresher for longer, or is it something that needs to be paid more attention to? Let us know in the comments section below!

Hey, Woolies how about entering a contract with the Aussie people who invented the biodegradable food wrap to supply your plastic.

 

[jace1950]

Continental cucumbers have ALWAYS been shrink wrapped for as long as I can remember.
The issue is freshness - Lebanese cucumbers will quickly shrivel and become inedible if they are not covered in some sort of plastic or the need exists to go and buy then fresh every one or two days - similarly with zucchinis

 

[peteloo]

When it comes to environmental concerns, we are no strangers to the conversation. Many have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution on our beautiful Australian landscape throughout the decades.

So, when news emerged of plastic-wrapped cucumbers being sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, many shoppers were up in arms.

Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture on the social media platform Twitter showcasing the individually shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers on display at the Woolworths store in Canberra.

Massola expressed his disappointment in the use of plastic packaging despite Woolworths banning single-use plastic bags – a move that had been widely praised.

View attachment 21631

The journalist shared a photo of the individually-wrapped cucumbers on social media. Credit: Toa Heftiba Şinca/Pexels

‘I think the ACT government's plastic bag ban was a terrific decision. But the decision by Woolworths to individually plastic-wrap cucumbers (and some other vegetables) defeats the purpose of a plastic ban. Also, why on earth do cucumbers need to be wrapped?’ He questioned in his post.

The sentiment was echoed by many others who shared in Massola's outrage.

‘Agreed. Here we are trying to reduce the volume of plastics in our life and our environment, and they make it unavoidable!' said one user.

‘Woolies were all anti-plastic when they decided to stop providing them free at checkouts, so now you have to buy paper bags, but not so anti-plastic on the shelves,’ another replied.

View attachment 21632

Massola said that the packaging defeated Woolworths’ ban on plastic. Credit: Twitter

However, a range of other opinions arose as people began to discuss the matter, with some shoppers defending Woolworths and explaining the reasoning behind the plastic wrapping.

These supporters pointed out that the packaging helps reduce food waste by keeping the cucumbers fresher for longer.

‘Continental cucumbers dehydrate quickly, become limp, and are vulnerable to damage during their journey from the greenhouse to your fridge. By acting as a second skin, the plastic film extends their shelf-life by almost a full week,’ wrote one social media user.

‘They last dramatically longer wrapped. So, it actually reduces waste,’ another commented.

‘It’s minimal environmental impact compared to throwing out a cucumber that’s rotten in half the time,’ someone else replied.

Woolworths responded to reporters, acknowledging the delicate balance between removing plastic packaging and reducing food wastage.

‘We're working to make grocery shopping more sustainable, and we're always looking to understand what changes can deliver the most benefit for the environment,’ the Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘While removing plastic is always our first preference, in some cases, it's a balancing act where we also need to consider food waste carefully. Some fresh produce items in Woolworths’ range are packaged to help extend shelf life and reduce food waste. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn't,’ they explained.

Since 2018, Woolworths has set a range of targets to improve the sustainability of its brand packaging.

The supermarket giant hopes to achieve an average of 60 per cent recycled content across Own Brand packaging by the end of 2025 and aims to halve the use of virgin plastic packaging by 2024.

This issue comes after it was announced that ALDI is embracing eco-friendly packaging by introducing its brown paper bags to shoppers.

The decision to move towards environmentally-conscious solutions is estimated to remove more than 888 tonnes of plastic circulation annually. You can read the rest of the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A furious shopper criticised Woolworths for selling plastic-wrapped cucumbers despite its ban on single-use plastic.
• Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture of shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
• Some defended Woolworths, stating that plastic wrapping reduces food waste by keeping cucumbers fresh for longer.
• Woolworths explained that it is a balancing act between removing plastic packaging and food wastage, and they are working to make grocery shopping more sustainable while considering the environmental impact.

Members, what do you think about the use of plastic packaging in supermarkets? Is it an important way to help keep fresh produce fresher for longer, or is it something that needs to be paid more attention to? Let us know in the comments section below!

7 Health Benefits of Eating Cucumber

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients that may lead to various health benefits. Here are 7 health benefits of eating cucumber.

www.healthline.com

Cucumber is a health food and I would like to add it to my daily diet but the cost above $2 each is rather steep. If it were below a dollar, I would buy more.
If general consumers feel the same, at a lower price, sales will be much faster and avoid over-supply waste at supermarkets.
So, it really depends on the time from harvest to shelf to keep these cucumbers fresh. Can this be shortened to provide the freshness for daily consumption?

 

[maggiej]

Maybe the idea of plastic wrapping on the cucumbers is a health reason. Cucunbers are quite porous and with customers continually handling them germs can be absorbed into the soft skin of the Cucumbers

 

[Lesle]

When it comes to environmental concerns, we are no strangers to the conversation. Many have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution on our beautiful Australian landscape throughout the decades.

So, when news emerged of plastic-wrapped cucumbers being sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, many shoppers were up in arms.

Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture on the social media platform Twitter showcasing the individually shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers on display at the Woolworths store in Canberra.

Massola expressed his disappointment in the use of plastic packaging despite Woolworths banning single-use plastic bags – a move that had been widely praised.

View attachment 21631

The journalist shared a photo of the individually-wrapped cucumbers on social media. Credit: Toa Heftiba Şinca/Pexels

‘I think the ACT government's plastic bag ban was a terrific decision. But the decision by Woolworths to individually plastic-wrap cucumbers (and some other vegetables) defeats the purpose of a plastic ban. Also, why on earth do cucumbers need to be wrapped?’ He questioned in his post.

The sentiment was echoed by many others who shared in Massola's outrage.

‘Agreed. Here we are trying to reduce the volume of plastics in our life and our environment, and they make it unavoidable!' said one user.

‘Woolies were all anti-plastic when they decided to stop providing them free at checkouts, so now you have to buy paper bags, but not so anti-plastic on the shelves,’ another replied.

View attachment 21632

Massola said that the packaging defeated Woolworths’ ban on plastic. Credit: Twitter

However, a range of other opinions arose as people began to discuss the matter, with some shoppers defending Woolworths and explaining the reasoning behind the plastic wrapping.

These supporters pointed out that the packaging helps reduce food waste by keeping the cucumbers fresher for longer.

‘Continental cucumbers dehydrate quickly, become limp, and are vulnerable to damage during their journey from the greenhouse to your fridge. By acting as a second skin, the plastic film extends their shelf-life by almost a full week,’ wrote one social media user.

‘They last dramatically longer wrapped. So, it actually reduces waste,’ another commented.

‘It’s minimal environmental impact compared to throwing out a cucumber that’s rotten in half the time,’ someone else replied.

Woolworths responded to reporters, acknowledging the delicate balance between removing plastic packaging and reducing food wastage.

‘We're working to make grocery shopping more sustainable, and we're always looking to understand what changes can deliver the most benefit for the environment,’ the Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘While removing plastic is always our first preference, in some cases, it's a balancing act where we also need to consider food waste carefully. Some fresh produce items in Woolworths’ range are packaged to help extend shelf life and reduce food waste. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn't,’ they explained.

Since 2018, Woolworths has set a range of targets to improve the sustainability of its brand packaging.

The supermarket giant hopes to achieve an average of 60 per cent recycled content across Own Brand packaging by the end of 2025 and aims to halve the use of virgin plastic packaging by 2024.

This issue comes after it was announced that ALDI is embracing eco-friendly packaging by introducing its brown paper bags to shoppers.

The decision to move towards environmentally-conscious solutions is estimated to remove more than 888 tonnes of plastic circulation annually. You can read the rest of the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A furious shopper criticised Woolworths for selling plastic-wrapped cucumbers despite its ban on single-use plastic.
• Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture of shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
• Some defended Woolworths, stating that plastic wrapping reduces food waste by keeping cucumbers fresh for longer.
• Woolworths explained that it is a balancing act between removing plastic packaging and food wastage, and they are working to make grocery shopping more sustainable while considering the environmental impact.

Members, what do you think about the use of plastic packaging in supermarkets? Is it an important way to help keep fresh produce fresher for longer, or is it something that needs to be paid more attention to? Let us know in the comments section below!

I think it’s fine if it’s going to keep our food fresher for longer and food wastage down

 

[Jersey Girl]

Hm . . I wonder why Lebanese cucumbers don’t require plastic wrap?

Maybe because they are smaller therefore would be used up more quickly?

 

[POG]

When it comes to environmental concerns, we are no strangers to the conversation. Many have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution on our beautiful Australian landscape throughout the decades.

So, when news emerged of plastic-wrapped cucumbers being sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, many shoppers were up in arms.

Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture on the social media platform Twitter showcasing the individually shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers on display at the Woolworths store in Canberra.

Massola expressed his disappointment in the use of plastic packaging despite Woolworths banning single-use plastic bags – a move that had been widely praised.

View attachment 21631

The journalist shared a photo of the individually-wrapped cucumbers on social media. Credit: Toa Heftiba Şinca/Pexels

‘I think the ACT government's plastic bag ban was a terrific decision. But the decision by Woolworths to individually plastic-wrap cucumbers (and some other vegetables) defeats the purpose of a plastic ban. Also, why on earth do cucumbers need to be wrapped?’ He questioned in his post.

The sentiment was echoed by many others who shared in Massola's outrage.

‘Agreed. Here we are trying to reduce the volume of plastics in our life and our environment, and they make it unavoidable!' said one user.

‘Woolies were all anti-plastic when they decided to stop providing them free at checkouts, so now you have to buy paper bags, but not so anti-plastic on the shelves,’ another replied.

View attachment 21632

Massola said that the packaging defeated Woolworths’ ban on plastic. Credit: Twitter

However, a range of other opinions arose as people began to discuss the matter, with some shoppers defending Woolworths and explaining the reasoning behind the plastic wrapping.

These supporters pointed out that the packaging helps reduce food waste by keeping the cucumbers fresher for longer.

‘Continental cucumbers dehydrate quickly, become limp, and are vulnerable to damage during their journey from the greenhouse to your fridge. By acting as a second skin, the plastic film extends their shelf-life by almost a full week,’ wrote one social media user.

‘They last dramatically longer wrapped. So, it actually reduces waste,’ another commented.

‘It’s minimal environmental impact compared to throwing out a cucumber that’s rotten in half the time,’ someone else replied.

Woolworths responded to reporters, acknowledging the delicate balance between removing plastic packaging and reducing food wastage.

‘We're working to make grocery shopping more sustainable, and we're always looking to understand what changes can deliver the most benefit for the environment,’ the Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘While removing plastic is always our first preference, in some cases, it's a balancing act where we also need to consider food waste carefully. Some fresh produce items in Woolworths’ range are packaged to help extend shelf life and reduce food waste. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn't,’ they explained.

Since 2018, Woolworths has set a range of targets to improve the sustainability of its brand packaging.

The supermarket giant hopes to achieve an average of 60 per cent recycled content across Own Brand packaging by the end of 2025 and aims to halve the use of virgin plastic packaging by 2024.

This issue comes after it was announced that ALDI is embracing eco-friendly packaging by introducing its brown paper bags to shoppers.

The decision to move towards environmentally-conscious solutions is estimated to remove more than 888 tonnes of plastic circulation annually. You can read the rest of the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A furious shopper criticised Woolworths for selling plastic-wrapped cucumbers despite its ban on single-use plastic.
• Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture of shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
• Some defended Woolworths, stating that plastic wrapping reduces food waste by keeping cucumbers fresh for longer.
• Woolworths explained that it is a balancing act between removing plastic packaging and food wastage, and they are working to make grocery shopping more sustainable while considering the environmental impact.

Members, what do you think about the use of plastic packaging in supermarkets? Is it an important way to help keep fresh produce fresher for longer, or is it something that needs to be paid more attention to? Let us know in the comments section below!

Woolworth can achieve the same by using compostable plastics to preserve food items.

 

[MotherGoose]

We used to get our cucumbers direct from the grower and they were the ones who were doing the shrink-wrapping, NOT Woolies. Note there is usually a sticker on the shrink-wrap indicating who the producer is. Packaging is done by the producer, not the seller.

 

[Phantom55]

When it comes to environmental concerns, we are no strangers to the conversation. Many have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution on our beautiful Australian landscape throughout the decades.

So, when news emerged of plastic-wrapped cucumbers being sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, many shoppers were up in arms.

Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture on the social media platform Twitter showcasing the individually shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers on display at the Woolworths store in Canberra.

Massola expressed his disappointment in the use of plastic packaging despite Woolworths banning single-use plastic bags – a move that had been widely praised.

View attachment 21631

The journalist shared a photo of the individually-wrapped cucumbers on social media. Credit: Toa Heftiba Şinca/Pexels

‘I think the ACT government's plastic bag ban was a terrific decision. But the decision by Woolworths to individually plastic-wrap cucumbers (and some other vegetables) defeats the purpose of a plastic ban. Also, why on earth do cucumbers need to be wrapped?’ He questioned in his post.

The sentiment was echoed by many others who shared in Massola's outrage.

‘Agreed. Here we are trying to reduce the volume of plastics in our life and our environment, and they make it unavoidable!' said one user.

‘Woolies were all anti-plastic when they decided to stop providing them free at checkouts, so now you have to buy paper bags, but not so anti-plastic on the shelves,’ another replied.

View attachment 21632

Massola said that the packaging defeated Woolworths’ ban on plastic. Credit: Twitter

However, a range of other opinions arose as people began to discuss the matter, with some shoppers defending Woolworths and explaining the reasoning behind the plastic wrapping.

These supporters pointed out that the packaging helps reduce food waste by keeping the cucumbers fresher for longer.

‘Continental cucumbers dehydrate quickly, become limp, and are vulnerable to damage during their journey from the greenhouse to your fridge. By acting as a second skin, the plastic film extends their shelf-life by almost a full week,’ wrote one social media user.

‘They last dramatically longer wrapped. So, it actually reduces waste,’ another commented.

‘It’s minimal environmental impact compared to throwing out a cucumber that’s rotten in half the time,’ someone else replied.

Woolworths responded to reporters, acknowledging the delicate balance between removing plastic packaging and reducing food wastage.

‘We're working to make grocery shopping more sustainable, and we're always looking to understand what changes can deliver the most benefit for the environment,’ the Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘While removing plastic is always our first preference, in some cases, it's a balancing act where we also need to consider food waste carefully. Some fresh produce items in Woolworths’ range are packaged to help extend shelf life and reduce food waste. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn't,’ they explained.

Since 2018, Woolworths has set a range of targets to improve the sustainability of its brand packaging.

The supermarket giant hopes to achieve an average of 60 per cent recycled content across Own Brand packaging by the end of 2025 and aims to halve the use of virgin plastic packaging by 2024.

This issue comes after it was announced that ALDI is embracing eco-friendly packaging by introducing its brown paper bags to shoppers.

The decision to move towards environmentally-conscious solutions is estimated to remove more than 888 tonnes of plastic circulation annually. You can read the rest of the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A furious shopper criticised Woolworths for selling plastic-wrapped cucumbers despite its ban on single-use plastic.
• Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture of shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
• Some defended Woolworths, stating that plastic wrapping reduces food waste by keeping cucumbers fresh for longer.
• Woolworths explained that it is a balancing act between removing plastic packaging and food wastage, and they are working to make grocery shopping more sustainable while considering the environmental impact.

Members, what do you think about the use of plastic packaging in supermarkets? Is it an important way to help keep fresh produce fresher for longer, or is it something that needs to be paid more attention to? Let us know in the comments section below!

people will soon wake up to woolies propagander (re paper bags)check out all the other plastic wraps on products also unnecessary,but not as costly as the bags. the volume of bags used by supermarkets is amazing (up to 10000 per day) at less than 1c ea.now replace those bags with re usable bags at 30 c each (cost .06 ea)= .24c profit 400% profit that's looking after the environment,127,000,000 bags per year over all stores (doubt very much paper bags costing more than 2c ea at that volume)very profitable line indeed 500% mark up, bags now become a product....PS cucumbers only react that way if they have been frozen, check out other green grocers... these stores have the power of volume..keep an eye on them.

 

[KSS]

This is so petty as to be mind-boggling. I wonder whether those plastic warriors have given up their mobile phones, computers, TVs most household appliances, do not own or travel in cars, refuse to travel using public transport (revert to horse or feet), never ever buy any packaged food especially frozen and in waxed/plastic covered packets, or cleaning/laundry products and removed all man-made fibres from their house and wardrobe all of which would not exist but for the by-product of coal, gas and oil refining. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. If they are truly such eco-warriors then surely this would be the first step before calling out a (single) supermarket for continuing the decades-old practice of covering telegraph cucumbers in shrink-wrap plastic. If it so offends them I have the answer: don't buy them!

 

[Bullwinkle]

I for one, much rather prefer to have my cucumbers wrapped in plastic, it helps them to stay fresh!! Also I don’t want everyone touching my food with their bare hands….I am extremely fussy when it comes to others using their hands on anything I purchase. This is not something new because of Covid 19, I have always been like this…

 

[gordon1940]

Cucumbers, Zucchini, etc are SO easy to grow in the ground or Patio pots. Pick them fresh and enjoy.

 

[Tygie]

When it comes to environmental concerns, we are no strangers to the conversation. Many have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution on our beautiful Australian landscape throughout the decades.

So, when news emerged of plastic-wrapped cucumbers being sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, many shoppers were up in arms.

Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture on the social media platform Twitter showcasing the individually shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers on display at the Woolworths store in Canberra.

Massola expressed his disappointment in the use of plastic packaging despite Woolworths banning single-use plastic bags – a move that had been widely praised.

View attachment 21631

The journalist shared a photo of the individually-wrapped cucumbers on social media. Credit: Toa Heftiba Şinca/Pexels

‘I think the ACT government's plastic bag ban was a terrific decision. But the decision by Woolworths to individually plastic-wrap cucumbers (and some other vegetables) defeats the purpose of a plastic ban. Also, why on earth do cucumbers need to be wrapped?’ He questioned in his post.

The sentiment was echoed by many others who shared in Massola's outrage.

‘Agreed. Here we are trying to reduce the volume of plastics in our life and our environment, and they make it unavoidable!' said one user.

‘Woolies were all anti-plastic when they decided to stop providing them free at checkouts, so now you have to buy paper bags, but not so anti-plastic on the shelves,’ another replied.

View attachment 21632

Massola said that the packaging defeated Woolworths’ ban on plastic. Credit: Twitter

However, a range of other opinions arose as people began to discuss the matter, with some shoppers defending Woolworths and explaining the reasoning behind the plastic wrapping.

These supporters pointed out that the packaging helps reduce food waste by keeping the cucumbers fresher for longer.

‘Continental cucumbers dehydrate quickly, become limp, and are vulnerable to damage during their journey from the greenhouse to your fridge. By acting as a second skin, the plastic film extends their shelf-life by almost a full week,’ wrote one social media user.

‘They last dramatically longer wrapped. So, it actually reduces waste,’ another commented.

‘It’s minimal environmental impact compared to throwing out a cucumber that’s rotten in half the time,’ someone else replied.

Woolworths responded to reporters, acknowledging the delicate balance between removing plastic packaging and reducing food wastage.

‘We're working to make grocery shopping more sustainable, and we're always looking to understand what changes can deliver the most benefit for the environment,’ the Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘While removing plastic is always our first preference, in some cases, it's a balancing act where we also need to consider food waste carefully. Some fresh produce items in Woolworths’ range are packaged to help extend shelf life and reduce food waste. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn't,’ they explained.

Since 2018, Woolworths has set a range of targets to improve the sustainability of its brand packaging.

The supermarket giant hopes to achieve an average of 60 per cent recycled content across Own Brand packaging by the end of 2025 and aims to halve the use of virgin plastic packaging by 2024.

This issue comes after it was announced that ALDI is embracing eco-friendly packaging by introducing its brown paper bags to shoppers.

The decision to move towards environmentally-conscious solutions is estimated to remove more than 888 tonnes of plastic circulation annually. You can read the rest of the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A furious shopper criticised Woolworths for selling plastic-wrapped cucumbers despite its ban on single-use plastic.
• Australian journalist James Massola shared a picture of shrink-wrapped continental cucumbers sold at a Woolworths store in Canberra, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
• Some defended Woolworths, stating that plastic wrapping reduces food waste by keeping cucumbers fresh for longer.
• Woolworths explained that it is a balancing act between removing plastic packaging and food wastage, and they are working to make grocery shopping more sustainable while considering the environmental impact.

Members, what do you think about the use of plastic packaging in supermarkets? Is it an important way to help keep fresh produce fresher for longer, or is it something that needs to be paid more attention to? Let us know in the comments section below!

it doesn't bother me that much. cucumbers are tasteless boring things and i don't eat them. but long as the plastic is bio-degradable since there's no soft plastic recycling scheme anymore would be better than everyones grubby hands getting on them, i guess.

 

[freedy50]

Why don't these people get over themselves?

Plastic helps protect the cucumber or they'd end up with a lot of soft rotten vegetables they can't sell!! I don't care what part of my shopping is wrapped in plastic as long as my food stays fresh. If these people dont like it then when they buy one, take off the plastic and leave it at the checkout and they can take home a naked cucumber.

 

[Jude1954]

Hm . . I wonder why Lebanese cucumbers don’t require plastic wrap?

I'm on my own and only use cucumbers for salad , if I buy Lebanese cucumbers I'm lucky for them to last 1 week , the plastic covered ones will last 2 to 4 weeks . If people would only take responsibility and dispose of things correctly half of our problems would disappear .