Woolworths and ALDI lead in fight against deforestation—what about Coles?
- Replies 13
As Australians, we deeply connect to our land and its unique wildlife. It's part of our identity, and we take pride in the natural beauty surrounding us.
However, our love for the environment is being tested as we face a critical issue: deforestation.
This environmental concern has recently taken centre stage in the supermarket industry, with major players like Woolworths and ALDI taking bold steps to address the problem. Coles is under scrutiny for not following suit.
Woolworths has pledged to source only deforestation-free products by 2025, aligning with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Environmental groups have hailed this move as a significant step towards preserving our forests and the wildlife that call them home.
ALDI had previously announced a similar commitment, showcasing a growing trend in the retail sector towards sustainability.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific has quickly praised Woolworths for its decision, recognising the impact of such a commitment to curbing the destruction of our forests and protecting native species.
Woolworths' spokeswoman reinforced the company's dedication to sustainable beef sourcing, acknowledging most Australian producers' responsible land management practices and the positive influence their goal could have on the sustainability credentials of Australian red meat.
However, Coles has found itself in the hot seat, with environmental advocates calling them out for not having a strong deforestation-free policy.
Greenpeace has urged Coles to step up and join its competitors in making this crucial change.
Gemma Plesman, a senior campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, pointed out Australia's alarming deforestation rates, which harm millions of native animals annually and contribute to climate change.
‘The bulldozing and destruction of our forests is driven primarily by beef cattle production. As one of Australia’s biggest buyers of beef, Woolworths can make a considerable difference in helping end this destructive practice and set an example for others to follow suit,’ she emphasised.
On the other hand, Coles has responded by highlighting the issue's complexity.
‘As a food retailer, we understand the important connection between food and nature,’ A Coles spokesperson stated.
‘We are committed to protecting Australian nature and are engaging with a range of NGOs, including the Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace and the Wilderness Society, on a broad range of nature-related issues.’
‘We recognise the complexity of addressing the nature challenge and are committed to working with our farmers, suppliers and industry partners to reduce our impact on the environment and help our customers to make more responsible choices.’
The statistics on Australia's deforestation are indeed concerning. Between 2000 and 2017, an area the size of Ireland was cleared, with the beef industry playing a significant role in this environmental degradation.
In Queensland, the beef sector has been responsible for destroying vast areas of forests and bushland, primarily to create pastures for livestock.
As consumers, we can influence the market through our purchasing decisions.
With sustainability becoming an increasingly important factor for shoppers, our supermarket choices can profoundly impact the environment.
It's clear that when it comes to protecting nature, we now face a critical decision at the checkout.
Have you changed your shopping habits in light of these environmental concerns? Are supermarkets doing enough to address deforestation and promote sustainability? Join the conversation below.
However, our love for the environment is being tested as we face a critical issue: deforestation.
This environmental concern has recently taken centre stage in the supermarket industry, with major players like Woolworths and ALDI taking bold steps to address the problem. Coles is under scrutiny for not following suit.
Woolworths has pledged to source only deforestation-free products by 2025, aligning with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Environmental groups have hailed this move as a significant step towards preserving our forests and the wildlife that call them home.
Woolworths will go deforestation-free by 2025, joining ALDI’s commitment. Credit: Shutterstock
ALDI had previously announced a similar commitment, showcasing a growing trend in the retail sector towards sustainability.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific has quickly praised Woolworths for its decision, recognising the impact of such a commitment to curbing the destruction of our forests and protecting native species.
Woolworths' spokeswoman reinforced the company's dedication to sustainable beef sourcing, acknowledging most Australian producers' responsible land management practices and the positive influence their goal could have on the sustainability credentials of Australian red meat.
However, Coles has found itself in the hot seat, with environmental advocates calling them out for not having a strong deforestation-free policy.
Greenpeace has urged Coles to step up and join its competitors in making this crucial change.
Gemma Plesman, a senior campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, pointed out Australia's alarming deforestation rates, which harm millions of native animals annually and contribute to climate change.
‘The bulldozing and destruction of our forests is driven primarily by beef cattle production. As one of Australia’s biggest buyers of beef, Woolworths can make a considerable difference in helping end this destructive practice and set an example for others to follow suit,’ she emphasised.
On the other hand, Coles has responded by highlighting the issue's complexity.
‘As a food retailer, we understand the important connection between food and nature,’ A Coles spokesperson stated.
‘We are committed to protecting Australian nature and are engaging with a range of NGOs, including the Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace and the Wilderness Society, on a broad range of nature-related issues.’
‘We recognise the complexity of addressing the nature challenge and are committed to working with our farmers, suppliers and industry partners to reduce our impact on the environment and help our customers to make more responsible choices.’
The statistics on Australia's deforestation are indeed concerning. Between 2000 and 2017, an area the size of Ireland was cleared, with the beef industry playing a significant role in this environmental degradation.
In Queensland, the beef sector has been responsible for destroying vast areas of forests and bushland, primarily to create pastures for livestock.
As consumers, we can influence the market through our purchasing decisions.
With sustainability becoming an increasingly important factor for shoppers, our supermarket choices can profoundly impact the environment.
It's clear that when it comes to protecting nature, we now face a critical decision at the checkout.
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they were denuded by the poisons emitted from the mines and tree felling and fires not for food, thought I’d better add that.
Bring it on.
