tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21090954.post4202204669052983885..comments2023-08-16T09:47:32.926+00:00Comments on downshifting-path to simplicity: The cost of waste....who pays?Downshiftingpathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00046640631739567120noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21090954.post-62902259147709157382009-04-04T08:09:00.000+00:002009-04-04T08:09:00.000+00:00Tesco has recently started trials of a new scheme ...Tesco has recently started trials of a new scheme in two of its stores where shoppers can remove the excess packaging from their goods before they leave the store. The onus is on the shopper to spend the time doing it, which unfortunately is going to be the flaw in the plan.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21090954.post-74804964142152952612009-03-11T13:59:00.000+00:002009-03-11T13:59:00.000+00:00I agree with sally, if at all possible we should s...I agree with sally, if at all possible we should steer clear of supermarkets, but if we have to use them then the best way to get over to them that excess packaging is not needed is to leave it with them if at all possible.<BR/><BR/>They may then get the message...Rev. Peter Doodeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15095282505667909048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21090954.post-59651329278348220702009-03-04T13:42:00.000+00:002009-03-04T13:42:00.000+00:00I think also that the answer lies in less packagin...I think also that the answer lies in less packaging. I'm gradually working towards zero use of supermarkets; but it isn't going to happen overnight.Shirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05864083189024632093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21090954.post-47012828839266535012009-02-18T13:05:00.000+00:002009-02-18T13:05:00.000+00:00I agree with both your comments. My opportunity re...I agree with both your comments. My opportunity relates to the wholesale supplier who provides all goods in plastic wrapping and cardboard trays which is the waste generated at a business level before you even get to the items on the shelf.<BR/>As a business our fruit and vegetables, bread rolls etc are individually available with a choice of brown or white paper bags. We do not offer plastic bags but have our own ecobag, and biodegradable bags for those who do not arrive with a bag. When we purchase items for the shop we often choose glass and cans before plastic containers to reduce the impact further on the environment.<BR/>The prewaste generated by our business is more difficult to deal with if our current recycling route is cut off.We do try to match up people wanting boxes with the boxes we have available and still manage to fill a small roomful with the rest.Downshiftingpathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00046640631739567120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21090954.post-43281864294516700842009-02-18T12:10:00.000+00:002009-02-18T12:10:00.000+00:00Hi Anne,I think my question would be, why do the s...Hi Anne,<BR/><BR/>I think my question would be, why do the supermarkets have to use so much packaging anyway? Some of it is a genuine effort to protect the product or to offer smaller portions. However, much of it is for promotional reasons. An alternative top down approach might be to legislate on the use of packaging in order to reduce the quantities used. A bottom up approach is in the hands of the consumer - we need to stop buying those kinds of goods and steer clear of the supermarkets. Sadly, the mistaken collective belief abounds that this will increase the cost of our weekly food bill. A recent report by the NEF however indicates that buying food from farmers markets cost the consumer less. Buying locally in this way also requires less packaging, simply because the responsibility for handling the products rests more with the consumer than the retailer/producer. There is also less of a requirement for packaging for promotion because the product is sold to us personally rather than remotely. So, when we reduce the food miles, we automatically reduce the packaging.<BR/><BR/>SallyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21090954.post-31088199378990604802009-02-18T09:02:00.000+00:002009-02-18T09:02:00.000+00:00Different local authorities have different approac...Different local authorities have different approaches to the collection of recyclable waste. Those which are the most successful have an effective system for separating the different streams of waste - susually this separation is done by the householder. It is becoming increasingly clear that those authorities who produce 'good quality' waste continue to get a reasonable price for their product, whereas, where paper, for example, is contaminated with glass, as often happens, the price will be low. But in the end, we all have to reduce the amount of waste we produce (including food producers)and this could arise from a 're-localisation' of our supply systems. And don't forget that paper can be composted, and it can be used as fuel for energy!timxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07906163084335439894noreply@blogger.com