The War against plastic waste

rufford155

We shop in supermarkets in Madeira when we are there.
Virtually NONE of the fruit or veg is pre-packaged, no plastic on cucumbers or anything else.
Why do we need it here ? It's completely unnecessary.

When we shop at Tesco here we take our own re-usable plastic boxes, empty all the fruit and veg into them to take home and leave the checkout person with all the plastic waste.
They are always polite about it but usually obviously cheesed off really, not to mention the customers waiting behind - although a few have said it's a good idea.
The more of us that start doing this, the sooner the supermarkets will get rid of the packaging.

Farway

rufford155 wrote: »

The more of us that start doing this, the sooner the supermarkets will get rid of the packaging.

Or put a receptacle near the area, as they do for the advert inserts in magazines
It won't stop them but at least it will make things easier for the staff

Eco_Creator

Plastic bottles are not a healthy option as they need a lower temperature to wash, absorb smells and taste. Why can't they sell milk in bottles in the shops and offer a deposit for its return. We should avoid plastic bottles altogether. The more that milk rounds are used the cheaper they will become.

Eco_Creator

I agree. So many are ditching the plastic things they have to buy more environmentally-friendly versions. I haven't bought a carrier bag for 5 years, but I still have plastic carrier bags that I reuse. My plastic toothbrush is two years old now - I put it in the dishwasher and also sterilise it - still lots of use left in it. Sometimes it is impossible to buy things that do not arrive in plastic, If I cannot send these back to the supermarket or manufacturer, they get washed and re-used too in much the same way as I re-use foil and plastic tubs. The only place I have seen this recommended is on "One Million Women".

Eco_Creator

Yes, supermarkets in other countries do loose fruit so much better. I get so angry with my local Co-op providing loose veg for those that want it and plastic-wrapped veg at half the price for those that don't give a damn. Where possible I go to a greengrocer and put all the loose veg in a canvas bag to carry home.

Eco_Creator

Yes painful isn't it. I find I have to say "Nothing plastic with food and drink, please" in cafes and restaurants.
The local chip shop automatically puts fish and chips in a plastic bag too. When they ask if I want salt & vinegar, I say "and no plastic bag" with my answer. I don't know why the outer wrapper can't be newspaper like it use to be.

Farway

Eco_Creator wrote: »

The local chip shop automatically puts fish and chips in a plastic bag too. When they ask if I want salt & vinegar, I say "and no plastic bag" with my answer. I don't know why the outer wrapper can't be newspaper like it use to be.

My guess is hygiene requirements, 'elf N safety

Crafty_Lisa_Hampshire

So has anyone set up any eco-friendly goals for 2020 or had any particular successes in the last couple of weeks. I am pleased to say I have managed to use up all the chemical laden cleaning junk in my kitchen and have now got everything I need from a refillable store or making my own and using reusable/compostable cloths etc. To me that is a real win.

Mr_Singleton

Eco_Creator wrote: »

Why can't they sell milk in bottles in the shops and offer a deposit for its return. The more that milk rounds are used the cheaper they will become.

The logistics of bringing all that glass back to a depot, checking it for chips, cracks etc then washing* it to food grade standards etc... No matter how many people use glass it'll never be as cheap as plastic.

* How many urine filled milk bottles do you need to see dumped on a Saturday morning to think errrr no thank you!

JuliaP

I've done away with loo roll for wee altogether - I use 'family cloth), for me this is very old linen napkins, far too tatty for original use, which are washed, dried and reused ad infinitum. Similarly, I use cut up old towels/tea towels/sheets etc for reusable kitchen roll (or unpaper towel). Have yet to find an alternative to loo roll for solids