Many were thrilled when Australia's leading supermarket retailers declared they were going green and working towards reducing plastic waste.

After all, we only have one planet to live on, and everybody is encouraged to start doing their part.

Many have agreed that Woolworths’ introduction of charges for 'environmentally friendly' reusable bags was a step in the right direction as it meant reducing waste and a little sacrifice for the greater good.

They began phasing out reusable plastic bags in Australia's two most populous states (New South Wales and Victoria) earlier this year in hopes of completing their nationwide removal.

And just recently, in preparation for the next phase of the strict new plastic laws coming into effect next year, Woolworths announced that shoppers at a select number of stores in Western Australia would trial out asking customers to pay $1.50 for produce bags if they did not have their own.

Fresh produce was seen wrapped in a huge amount of plastic in Woolworths. Image source: Reddit.

But as some shoppers have pointed out, there seems to be a significant irony in supermarket aisles, as Woolworths faces a wave of backlash over the 'shocking' quantity of plastic used to package its fresh produce.

The issue came to light when a photo was shared on social media by a perceptive customer, who was shocked by the staggering amount of plastic used to cover packs of apples.

To add fuel to the fire, right next to these plastic-swaddled fruits was a sign reading: 'Great for reducing waste.'

'What's the point of packing five apples or mandarins as a kids pack? Parents shopping for kids know how to shop for them. Too much in landfill. Not a sustainable business practice by Woolies,' the shopper expressed.

The customer’s sentiment echoed a trend of increasing scrutiny and complaints against retailers for their plastic use, especially as stores have begun charging customers for produce bags for the sake of eco-friendliness while packing their fresh produce in plastic.

Supermarkets are being scrutinised for their plastic use on fresh produce. Image source: Reddit.

Some shoppers argued they could have been left loose or bundled in recycled paper instead of plastic.

While the 'great for reducing waste' sign was likely intended to point towards the supermarket's 'odd-looking' produce section, it only highlighted the glaring contradiction in the store's visible plastic usage.

However, the pendulum of responsibility also swung towards consumers.

'Stop buying the s**t that’s prepackaged. Woolworths has pretty much everything available loose. They just enjoy profiting from everyone’s laziness,' one commented.

'I find it ridiculous that people buy limp prepackaged spinach when there is a huge box of fresh loose spinach that you can just put into a reusable bag and buy for a cheaper price.'

Another added that it was Woolworths' strategy to sell a certain amount of fruit instead of buying it individually.

A spokesperson for the supermarket explained that most of its fresh produce is already being sold individually, and packaging helps to reduce food waste:

'The majority of our fruit and veg is sold loose, and we’re working to reduce unnecessary packaging across our range where we can,' the spokesperson said.

'In recent years, we’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from our fruit and veg range, and we plan to keep that momentum as we continue to reduce plastic and increase our use of recycled content.'

'Packaging is an important balancing act to reduce plastic without compromising shelf life, which can lead to more food waste in our store or in customers’ homes. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn’t.'

The spokesperson also added that Woolworths is 'proud to have led the phase-out of reusable soft plastic bags' at the checkout through its 'nationwide removal of our 15-cent plastic bags earlier this year'.

'We know there’s still more to be done, and we look forward to sharing our progress with customers.'

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is facing criticism over the excessive use of plastic packaging for fresh produce, with shoppers pointing out the hypocrisy of charging for 'environmentally-friendly' bags while using plastic to package fruits and vegetables.
  
• A photo of apples packaged in plastic, alongside a sign reading, 'Great for reducing waste,' has drawn frustration from a customer who shared it on Reddit, triggering further complaints.
  
• Some argue that the overuse of plastic is due to customers buying prepackaged produce, suggesting Woolworths profits from shopper's laziness.
  
• A Woolies spokeswoman defended the packaging, explaining that it helps reduce food waste by extending shelf life and said they are working to reduce unnecessary packaging, having already removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range.
  

What are your thoughts on these plastic-wrapped fresh produce at Woolies, members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Lizzie1149]

Many were thrilled when Australia's leading supermarket retailers declared they were going green and working towards reducing plastic waste.

After all, we only have one planet to live on, and everybody is encouraged to start doing their part.

Many have agreed that Woolworths’ introduction of charges for 'environmentally friendly' reusable bags was a step in the right direction as it meant reducing waste and a little sacrifice for the greater good.

They began phasing out reusable plastic bags in Australia's two most populous states (New South Wales and Victoria) earlier this year in hopes of completing their nationwide removal.

And just recently, in preparation for the next phase of the strict new plastic laws coming into effect next year, Woolworths announced that shoppers at a select number of stores in Western Australia would trial out asking customers to pay $1.50 for produce bags if they did not have their own.

View attachment 30283

Fresh produce was seen wrapped in a huge amount of plastic in Woolworths. Image source: Reddit.

But as some shoppers have pointed out, there seems to be a significant irony in supermarket aisles, as Woolworths faces a wave of backlash over the 'shocking' quantity of plastic used to package its fresh produce.

The issue came to light when a photo was shared on social media by a perceptive customer, who was shocked by the staggering amount of plastic used to cover packs of apples.

To add fuel to the fire, right next to these plastic-swaddled fruits was a sign reading: 'Great for reducing waste.'

'What's the point of packing five apples or mandarins as a kids pack? Parents shopping for kids know how to shop for them. Too much in landfill. Not a sustainable business practice by Woolies,' the shopper expressed.

The customer’s sentiment echoed a trend of increasing scrutiny and complaints against retailers for their plastic use, especially as stores have begun charging customers for produce bags for the sake of eco-friendliness while packing their fresh produce in plastic.

View attachment 30284

Supermarkets are being scrutinised for their plastic use on fresh produce. Image source: Reddit.

Some shoppers argued they could have been left loose or bundled in recycled paper instead of plastic.

While the 'great for reducing waste' sign was likely intended to point towards the supermarket's 'odd-looking' produce section, it only highlighted the glaring contradiction in the store's visible plastic usage.

However, the pendulum of responsibility also swung towards consumers.

'Stop buying the s**t that’s prepackaged. Woolworths has pretty much everything available loose. They just enjoy profiting from everyone’s laziness,' one commented.

'I find it ridiculous that people buy limp prepackaged spinach when there is a huge box of fresh loose spinach that you can just put into a reusable bag and buy for a cheaper price.'

Another added that it was Woolworths' strategy to sell a certain amount of fruit instead of buying it individually.

A spokesperson for the supermarket explained that most of its fresh produce is already being sold individually, and packaging helps to reduce food waste:

'The majority of our fruit and veg is sold loose, and we’re working to reduce unnecessary packaging across our range where we can,' the spokesperson said.

'In recent years, we’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from our fruit and veg range, and we plan to keep that momentum as we continue to reduce plastic and increase our use of recycled content.'

'Packaging is an important balancing act to reduce plastic without compromising shelf life, which can lead to more food waste in our store or in customers’ homes. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn’t.'

The spokesperson also added that Woolworths is 'proud to have led the phase-out of reusable soft plastic bags' at the checkout through its 'nationwide removal of our 15-cent plastic bags earlier this year'.

'We know there’s still more to be done, and we look forward to sharing our progress with customers.'

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is facing criticism over the excessive use of plastic packaging for fresh produce, with shoppers pointing out the hypocrisy of charging for 'environmentally-friendly' bags while using plastic to package fruits and vegetables.
• A photo of apples packaged in plastic, alongside a sign reading, 'Great for reducing waste,' has drawn frustration from a customer who shared it on Reddit, triggering further complaints.
• Some argue that the overuse of plastic is due to customers buying prepackaged produce, suggesting Woolworths profits from shopper's laziness.
• A Woolies spokeswoman defended the packaging, explaining that it helps reduce food waste by extending shelf life and said they are working to reduce unnecessary packaging, having already removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range.

What are your thoughts on these plastic-wrapped fresh produce at Woolies, members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

I wonder how many people out there actually look at the packaging or just think it's plastic. I have noticed a few people on Facebook complaining about stuff being wrapped in plastic when it is actually cellophane. Cellophone is completely bio degradable. A much better choice for packaging and will keep produce fresh as well. This is the difference.
What's the difference between plastic and cellophane
A: Cellophane is derived from natural sources such as wood, while plastic wrap is made from oil. Unlike plastic, cellophane can't be recycled, but it is biodegradable, so it can be composted or sent to a landfill in the regular garbage.

 

[siameezer]

"What's the point of packing five apples or mandarins as a kids' pack?" they ask ... well it keeps dirty, snotty fingers off the produce for starters! I have seen kids pick their noses or suck their fingers and then reach up to the produce stands and it is revolting! Yes, the produce, in most cases, can be washed when you get it home but I do not want to handle food like that. Recyclable plastic should be utilised, as should paper (except you can't see through the paper). Most of the time I have to shop online due to mobility issues and having fruit and veg loose in the order creates problems of its own!

 

[Stevo114]

The mania continues - plastic is a great invention and we need to use it within reason. Reduce, by all means, but the idea of wiping it out completely is just corporate virtue signalling, of which Woolies are experts.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The biggest crock of s**t was the introduction of "multi use" 15 cent bags. They were nothing but single use bags with a price. Most ended up in landfill just after one use anyway.

The second furphy is that the single use "singlet" bags stay in the environment for 1000 years! Ever seen what happens to them when exposed to the elements, such as sunlight? They gradually lose their plasticiser, become brittle and then disintegrate. That happens after less than two years.

I'm waiting for replies disputing this fact.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The biggest crock of s**t was the introduction of "multi use" 15 cent bags. They were nothing but single use bags with a price. Most ended up in landfill just after one use anyway.

The second furphy is that the single use "singlet" bags stay in the environment for 1000 years! Ever seen what happens to them when exposed to the elements, such as sunlight? They gradually lose their plasticiser, become brittle and then disintegrate. That happens after less than two years.

I'm waiting for replies disputing this fact.

Nice little lies from the US Center for Biological Diversity...

Americans use 5 trillion plastic bags a year.

Americans use an average of 365 plastic bags per person per year.

Anybody with half a mathematical brain could see that 330 million Yanks consume just 120 billion bags per year, not the BS 5 trillion stated. So they have exaggerated by a factor of 40 times. Anything to gain the support of gullible idiots!

 

[David567]

Think of the thousands of dollars they save buy charging customers for bags. Just another step for greed and increasing profits. Years ago paper bags were banned and we started on plastic. Now plastic is banned and paper is back. What's next. Bring your own trolley.

 

[Lissu2]

Many were thrilled when Australia's leading supermarket retailers declared they were going green and working towards reducing plastic waste.

After all, we only have one planet to live on, and everybody is encouraged to start doing their part.
Time for Woolworths/ Cole’s to get rid of plastic

Many have agreed that Woolworths’ introduction of charges for 'environmentally friendly' reusable bags was a step in the right direction as it meant reducing waste and a little sacrifice for the greater good.

They began phasing out reusable plastic bags in Australia's two most populous states (New South Wales and Victoria) earlier this year in hopes of completing their nationwide removal.

And just recently, in preparation for the next phase of the strict new plastic laws coming into effect next year, Woolworths announced that shoppers at a select number of stores in Western Australia would trial out asking customers to pay $1.50 for produce bags if they did not have their own.

View attachment 30283

Fresh produce was seen wrapped in a huge amount of plastic in Woolworths. Image source: Reddit.

But as some shoppers have pointed out, there seems to be a significant irony in supermarket aisles, as Woolworths faces a wave of backlash over the 'shocking' quantity of plastic used to package its fresh produce.

The issue came to light when a photo was shared on social media by a perceptive customer, who was shocked by the staggering amount of plastic used to cover packs of apples.

To add fuel to the fire, right next to these plastic-swaddled fruits was a sign reading: 'Great for reducing waste.'

'What's the point of packing five apples or mandarins as a kids pack? Parents shopping for kids know how to shop for them. Too much in landfill. Not a sustainable business practice by Woolies,' the shopper expressed.

The customer’s sentiment echoed a trend of increasing scrutiny and complaints against retailers for their plastic use, especially as stores have begun charging customers for produce bags for the sake of eco-friendliness while packing their fresh produce in plastic.

View attachment 30284

Supermarkets are being scrutinised for their plastic use on fresh produce. Image source: Reddit.

Some shoppers argued they could have been left loose or bundled in recycled paper instead of plastic.

While the 'great for reducing waste' sign was likely intended to point towards the supermarket's 'odd-looking' produce section, it only highlighted the glaring contradiction in the store's visible plastic usage.

However, the pendulum of responsibility also swung towards consumers.

'Stop buying the s**t that’s prepackaged. Woolworths has pretty much everything available loose. They just enjoy profiting from everyone’s laziness,' one commented.

'I find it ridiculous that people buy limp prepackaged spinach when there is a huge box of fresh loose spinach that you can just put into a reusable bag and buy for a cheaper price.'

Another added that it was Woolworths' strategy to sell a certain amount of fruit instead of buying it individually.

A spokesperson for the supermarket explained that most of its fresh produce is already being sold individually, and packaging helps to reduce food waste:

'The majority of our fruit and veg is sold loose, and we’re working to reduce unnecessary packaging across our range where we can,' the spokesperson said.

'In recent years, we’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from our fruit and veg range, and we plan to keep that momentum as we continue to reduce plastic and increase our use of recycled content.'

'Packaging is an important balancing act to reduce plastic without compromising shelf life, which can lead to more food waste in our store or in customers’ homes. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn’t.'

The spokesperson also added that Woolworths is 'proud to have led the phase-out of reusable soft plastic bags' at the checkout through its 'nationwide removal of our 15-cent plastic bags earlier this year'.

'We know there’s still more to be done, and we look forward to sharing our progress with customers.'

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is facing criticism over the excessive use of plastic packaging for fresh produce, with shoppers pointing out the hypocrisy of charging for 'environmentally-friendly' bags while using plastic to package fruits and vegetables.
• A photo of apples packaged in plastic, alongside a sign reading, 'Great for reducing waste,' has drawn frustration from a customer who shared it on Reddit, triggering further complaints.
• Some argue that the overuse of plastic is due to customers buying prepackaged produce, suggesting Woolworths profits from shopper's laziness.
• A Woolies spokeswoman defended the packaging, explaining that it helps reduce food waste by extending shelf life and said they are working to reduce unnecessary packaging, having already removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range.

What are your thoughts on these plastic-wrapped fresh produce at Woolies, members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[marni]

Many were thrilled when Australia's leading supermarket retailers declared they were going green and working towards reducing plastic waste.

After all, we only have one planet to live on, and everybody is encouraged to start doing their part.

Many have agreed that Woolworths’ introduction of charges for 'environmentally friendly' reusable bags was a step in the right direction as it meant reducing waste and a little sacrifice for the greater good.

They began phasing out reusable plastic bags in Australia's two most populous states (New South Wales and Victoria) earlier this year in hopes of completing their nationwide removal.

And just recently, in preparation for the next phase of the strict new plastic laws coming into effect next year, Woolworths announced that shoppers at a select number of stores in Western Australia would trial out asking customers to pay $1.50 for produce bags if they did not have their own.

View attachment 30283

Fresh produce was seen wrapped in a huge amount of plastic in Woolworths. Image source: Reddit.

But as some shoppers have pointed out, there seems to be a significant irony in supermarket aisles, as Woolworths faces a wave of backlash over the 'shocking' quantity of plastic used to package its fresh produce.

The issue came to light when a photo was shared on social media by a perceptive customer, who was shocked by the staggering amount of plastic used to cover packs of apples.

To add fuel to the fire, right next to these plastic-swaddled fruits was a sign reading: 'Great for reducing waste.'

'What's the point of packing five apples or mandarins as a kids pack? Parents shopping for kids know how to shop for them. Too much in landfill. Not a sustainable business practice by Woolies,' the shopper expressed.

The customer’s sentiment echoed a trend of increasing scrutiny and complaints against retailers for their plastic use, especially as stores have begun charging customers for produce bags for the sake of eco-friendliness while packing their fresh produce in plastic.

View attachment 30284

Supermarkets are being scrutinised for their plastic use on fresh produce. Image source: Reddit.

Some shoppers argued they could have been left loose or bundled in recycled paper instead of plastic.

While the 'great for reducing waste' sign was likely intended to point towards the supermarket's 'odd-looking' produce section, it only highlighted the glaring contradiction in the store's visible plastic usage.

However, the pendulum of responsibility also swung towards consumers.

'Stop buying the s**t that’s prepackaged. Woolworths has pretty much everything available loose. They just enjoy profiting from everyone’s laziness,' one commented.

'I find it ridiculous that people buy limp prepackaged spinach when there is a huge box of fresh loose spinach that you can just put into a reusable bag and buy for a cheaper price.'

Another added that it was Woolworths' strategy to sell a certain amount of fruit instead of buying it individually.

A spokesperson for the supermarket explained that most of its fresh produce is already being sold individually, and packaging helps to reduce food waste:

'The majority of our fruit and veg is sold loose, and we’re working to reduce unnecessary packaging across our range where we can,' the spokesperson said.

'In recent years, we’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from our fruit and veg range, and we plan to keep that momentum as we continue to reduce plastic and increase our use of recycled content.'

'Packaging is an important balancing act to reduce plastic without compromising shelf life, which can lead to more food waste in our store or in customers’ homes. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn’t.'

The spokesperson also added that Woolworths is 'proud to have led the phase-out of reusable soft plastic bags' at the checkout through its 'nationwide removal of our 15-cent plastic bags earlier this year'.

'We know there’s still more to be done, and we look forward to sharing our progress with customers.'

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is facing criticism over the excessive use of plastic packaging for fresh produce, with shoppers pointing out the hypocrisy of charging for 'environmentally-friendly' bags while using plastic to package fruits and vegetables.
• A photo of apples packaged in plastic, alongside a sign reading, 'Great for reducing waste,' has drawn frustration from a customer who shared it on Reddit, triggering further complaints.
• Some argue that the overuse of plastic is due to customers buying prepackaged produce, suggesting Woolworths profits from shopper's laziness.
• A Woolies spokeswoman defended the packaging, explaining that it helps reduce food waste by extending shelf life and said they are working to reduce unnecessary packaging, having already removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range.

What are your thoughts on these plastic-wrapped fresh produce at Woolies, members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

I find it ridiculous that I can buy plastic garbage bags in one aisle (now reduced reuse by one) and if they start pricing for vegie bags I can buy 80 plastic bags for something like 60 cents - No reduction in plastic - but more money in their pocket.

 

[Gaena]

Family from the UK were here on holiday and during a shopping trip to the supermarket they were all exclaiming about the amount of fresh fruit and veg on display, when it came to loading fresh food into the shopping trolley they were confused about buying anything that wasn't either in a plastic bag or in a container covered in plastic wrap, after asking why they were reluctant they said that all veg and fruit were covered in plastic at home so they were confused about how fresh it was. Seems Australia is not the only place where plastic covered fruit and veg is a problem for the environment.

 

[Cattersfan]

Many were thrilled when Australia's leading supermarket retailers declared they were going green and working towards reducing plastic waste.

After all, we only have one planet to live on, and everybody is encouraged to start doing their part.

Many have agreed that Woolworths’ introduction of charges for 'environmentally friendly' reusable bags was a step in the right direction as it meant reducing waste and a little sacrifice for the greater good.

They began phasing out reusable plastic bags in Australia's two most populous states (New South Wales and Victoria) earlier this year in hopes of completing their nationwide removal.

And just recently, in preparation for the next phase of the strict new plastic laws coming into effect next year, Woolworths announced that shoppers at a select number of stores in Western Australia would trial out asking customers to pay $1.50 for produce bags if they did not have their own.

View attachment 30283

Fresh produce was seen wrapped in a huge amount of plastic in Woolworths. Image source: Reddit.

But as some shoppers have pointed out, there seems to be a significant irony in supermarket aisles, as Woolworths faces a wave of backlash over the 'shocking' quantity of plastic used to package its fresh produce.

The issue came to light when a photo was shared on social media by a perceptive customer, who was shocked by the staggering amount of plastic used to cover packs of apples.

To add fuel to the fire, right next to these plastic-swaddled fruits was a sign reading: 'Great for reducing waste.'

'What's the point of packing five apples or mandarins as a kids pack? Parents shopping for kids know how to shop for them. Too much in landfill. Not a sustainable business practice by Woolies,' the shopper expressed.

The customer’s sentiment echoed a trend of increasing scrutiny and complaints against retailers for their plastic use, especially as stores have begun charging customers for produce bags for the sake of eco-friendliness while packing their fresh produce in plastic.

View attachment 30284

Supermarkets are being scrutinised for their plastic use on fresh produce. Image source: Reddit.

Some shoppers argued they could have been left loose or bundled in recycled paper instead of plastic.

While the 'great for reducing waste' sign was likely intended to point towards the supermarket's 'odd-looking' produce section, it only highlighted the glaring contradiction in the store's visible plastic usage.

However, the pendulum of responsibility also swung towards consumers.

'Stop buying the s**t that’s prepackaged. Woolworths has pretty much everything available loose. They just enjoy profiting from everyone’s laziness,' one commented.

'I find it ridiculous that people buy limp prepackaged spinach when there is a huge box of fresh loose spinach that you can just put into a reusable bag and buy for a cheaper price.'

Another added that it was Woolworths' strategy to sell a certain amount of fruit instead of buying it individually.

A spokesperson for the supermarket explained that most of its fresh produce is already being sold individually, and packaging helps to reduce food waste:

'The majority of our fruit and veg is sold loose, and we’re working to reduce unnecessary packaging across our range where we can,' the spokesperson said.

'In recent years, we’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from our fruit and veg range, and we plan to keep that momentum as we continue to reduce plastic and increase our use of recycled content.'

'Packaging is an important balancing act to reduce plastic without compromising shelf life, which can lead to more food waste in our store or in customers’ homes. For example, a continental cucumber wrapped in plastic lasts three times longer than one that isn’t.'

The spokesperson also added that Woolworths is 'proud to have led the phase-out of reusable soft plastic bags' at the checkout through its 'nationwide removal of our 15-cent plastic bags earlier this year'.

'We know there’s still more to be done, and we look forward to sharing our progress with customers.'

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is facing criticism over the excessive use of plastic packaging for fresh produce, with shoppers pointing out the hypocrisy of charging for 'environmentally-friendly' bags while using plastic to package fruits and vegetables.
• A photo of apples packaged in plastic, alongside a sign reading, 'Great for reducing waste,' has drawn frustration from a customer who shared it on Reddit, triggering further complaints.
• Some argue that the overuse of plastic is due to customers buying prepackaged produce, suggesting Woolworths profits from shopper's laziness.
• A Woolies spokeswoman defended the packaging, explaining that it helps reduce food waste by extending shelf life and said they are working to reduce unnecessary packaging, having already removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range.

What are your thoughts on these plastic-wrapped fresh produce at Woolies, members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

I find the biggest irony is the Certified Organic produce, all wrapped in plastic.

 

[Ezzy]

Interesting that a spokesperson for Woolworths stated that packaging cuts down on waste. Is this because loose fresh stock is just tipped on top of old stock so the old Stock never gets sold? Having worked in a Woolies store & since then l have seen boxes etc of fresh loose stock tipped on top of current stock. This can cause bruising too. I know to remove old loose stock, place fresh loose stock & then put old stock on top is very time consuming.

Quite often customers do like to pick their own fruit & vegetables so they can see what it is they are buying, rejecting bruised or damaged foods.

The other arguement not mentioned yet is that vegies etc come in prepacked & to stop this will put people out of work. Back before the 1970's @ W.W.'s these were packed in store by their own staff.