Unpackaged

Packaging Problems

I don’t know about you but I find it incredibly frustrating and wasteful when I buy a product that has loads of unnecessary packaging. It’s often cumbersome and sometimes even difficult to get into with layer upon layer of cardboard and plastic. The amount of space it takes up in my bag to get it home and the space it takes up in my cupboard can be a real problem especially when space is often limited. Then when the product is opened or used up, all of that annoying packaging goes in the bin! Of course I recycle as much of it as is possible, but I still feel it is not a good use of resources and energy, and I’m definitely not alone.

The Solution

Thankfully someone is addressing this needless waste on food packaging. Zero waste pioneer Unpackaged, set up by Catherine Conway, have addressed the issue and re-launched their clever refill concept in Planet Organic store in Muswell Hill, North London. It’s only a small section in the store at the moment but it most certainly has potential  to roll out across grocery stores from corner shops to supermarkets. Customers bring their own containers from home to refill and restock on their store cupboard essentials.

Not only is it a great way to reduce waste and save the environment, it cuts costs too. Remember that packaging increases the cost of food products and we pay again through our council tax to have the packaging taken away! With this concept customers have the free choice to buy as much or as little of the food as they need at any one time.

This is a real vision of the future and a great step in the right direction to reducing waste and saving our beautiful planet.