No matter how hard a conscientious green consumer might try to make supermarket purchases that have the least negative impact on the planet, today's manufacturers tend to make the process somewhat challenging. Organically produced goods may be more readily available (which is a huge eco-plus), but the packaging used to contain those items can be extraneous and composed of virgin materials that require a great deal of resources to create. Also, part of the benefit of them retaining traditional packaging is that it makes consumers think that they're receiving a lot more value than they really are - take a look at the contents of your cereal boxes and chip bags for all the evidence you'll need. While there are several companies that do strive to offer products made with minimal packaging made with very high or entirely recycled content, it isn't the norm...at least not yet.
In spite of that, food companies would save a great deal of money if they offered their products exclusively in bulk without cardboard boxes, aluminum cans or plastic tubs - and imagine how significantly they would be able to reduce their carbon footprint without all of that manufacturing bogging them down. On the downside, consumer practicality would unfortunately fall to the wayside. While being able to accommodate the majority of dry goods "loose" in a reusable shopping bag is one thing, it's not as if any of us can easily cup one pound of loose cottage cheese tightly in the palms of our hands, nor would we want to carry plastic/Styrofoam-free chicken breasts or individual free range eggs au naturel. The simple solution would be to just bring our own refillable containers to the grocery store and portion out exactly the right amount of perishable goods that we needed - but that would require a very different mindset and willingness of consumers to sacrifice convenience for the benefit of Mother Nature. Despite how nice that sounds, I think that it would definitely be a tough sell for the majority of our population.
Interestingly, one organic grocer in the heart of London -- called Unpackaged - is managing to do a brisk business embracing precisely the concept described above without much (if any) grimacing from the public. Offering a financial incentive to shoppers who tote their own refillable containers, the organic, fair trade and local whole food purveyor dispenses 90% of their goods in bulk form, totally free of manufacturer's packaging. Those who forget to bring their own containers are furnished with durable, resealable plastic bags that they can reuse during their next trip, but thanks to the package-free environment, the owner claims that each year Unpackaged generates 1.5 tons less carbon than traditional food stores. Offering everything from vast bins of loose tea, vinegars, oils, yogurt, jam and flour to assorted fruits, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, spices, nuts, pasta and grains, the concept has gained such a hold that new locations are currently being planned. Do you think that this type of eco-grocery concept would fly in the states? Would you feel "put out" by being forced to remember not just your reusable bags but also your reusable food containers? Are green minded consumers more inclined to adapt, or is this asking just a little too much?
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