Reducing Plastic Supermarket Consumption
Below are some solutions on how to solve the plastic packaging problem. As we know plastic ends up in our food-chain and waterways; so what simple steps can you take to cut down your own frequent consumption at the supermarket.
Shopping for Fruit and Vegetables plastic free
Packd is a frozen fruit company whose products are entirely packaged in paper. This type of packaging for frozen fruit or vegetable are the first of its kind that I have seen in the UK! It offers frozen blueberries, spinach, broccoli, garlic and many other products packed in paper packaging, which then goes directly into paper recycling….zero waste, zero plastic. Available online at Ocado
Fresh Fruit boxes can also be ordered online from Ocado, either mixed fruit or single variety and some brands are more affordable than you would think! Look in the Ocado Home Brand range for a cheaper option or try the Wholegood fruit and veg range: also in the Ocado organic section and packaged in a home compostable net bag.
Able and Cole and Riverford are higher end ethical online options......there mantra. is no pointless plastic.....notably they are B - certified and have many other green credentials.
Finally, for standard priced fruit and veg box delivery, try local Independent providers like Wonky Box or Odd Box;
Dairy
Yeo milk is now available in a carton; it is fully recyclable, and uses 70% less plastic than its previous form. Organic and cruelty free, it can be found in all the major supermarkets.
The Estate dairy range, is an organic milk which is packaged in a traditional glass milk bottle, it is less processed and-like all of The Estates products-delicious....it can be found in store at;
M & S or ordered online at Ocado.
It is worth noting that Milk Rounds are back en vogue. Your local milk round offers dairy products at an affordable price and low carbon footprint. It can be booked online, paid for and delivered with minimum hassle, just like your standard online supermarket shop.link
....and finally, we rate CalonWen. Especially, its organic butter with compostable at home packaging. It can be found in most supermarkets online, but may have a shorter shelf life than the standard butters preserved in foil.
Tips
An easy trick to reduce plastic packaging, is to try and take the time to choose Jars and Tins where possible…. Mayonnaise, Tomato Sauce, Cordial, Pet food, Olives, etc ...can all be used in an alternative packaging to plastic
Biona, Marks and Spencers own brand, and Ocado online are some of the suppliers that package rice and pasta in paper packaging.
Cheeky Panda, or Reginas' are two of the few plastic free, unbleached Toilet papers' on the market at the moment; they are affordable and can be found in all major supermarkets.
Finally, it is possible to source frozen breaded fish fingers, cod etc. or boxed chips in cardboard packaging; as well as certain Ice-creams, lollies and frozen yogurt. It is just a case of tenacity on your part.
Simple adjustments to your weekly shopping habits can cut plastic waste down substantially.
Many of these changes can be made at no extra cost to the consumer. It is just a case of being aware of the alternative options and having a go.
All items in the Photos' were bought online at Ocado in my attempt to achieve an 85 percent plastic free shop; reflecting the average consumers shopping habits and tenacity threshold.