Plastic packaging has become habit: an excessive method to extend the shelf life of produce, yet contributes to the destruction of natural environments, water ways and the wildlife that inhabit them, including ourselves. The onset of single plastic bags at local supermarkets has not affected change in the use of plastic packaging, especially for bulk packaging and reduced-price items. Instead, large supermarket corporations are undermining their efforts and still utilising plastic to protect produce.

What needs to happen?

Unnecessary packaging needs to be substituted for natural materials such as banana leaves (already in use in Thailand), the protective skin of much produce itself or reusable materials, packaging and waste systems that guarantee recycling and biodegradable packaging.

Natural environments and their inhabitants at risk; the elimination of plastic packaging is a small sacrifice to make.