Every time I make a purchase wrapped in plastic, I am consumed by guilt. The overconsumption of one-time-use plastic is not just an environmental issue, but a personal one for me and many others. In our everyday shopping experiences, we encounter what can be termed as "obvious non-plastic" - items that do not require plastic packaging yet are enveloped in it unnecessarily.

Our supermarkets and large chains have the resources to transition towards more sustainable packaging options but lack the legislative push to do so. It's high time we address this issue head-on.

According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. About 12% has been incinerated, while the rest — 79% — has accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment.

We need laws that mandate supermarkets and other large chains to reduce their dependency on single-use plastics and invest in developing alternative materials for packaging. This is not just about saving our planet; it's about preserving our conscience every time we shop.

An example of how supermarkets could implement change is; Having refillable stations for products such as handwash, body wash, shampoo etc… We keep our one time purchase plastic bottle and simply fill it up at the store. Not only should this reduce single-use plastic, but in theory it should reduce price as we are not paying for another plastic bottle!

Sign this petition today if you believe that our supermarkets should take responsibility for their contribution towards plastic pollution and be legally required to adopt eco-friendly packaging alternatives.