The seismic push to save our planet is a global movement; with corporations, governing bodies, and individuals taking action to minimise their carbon footprints. Supermarkets across the UK are a huge space for consumption and have a high turnaround of goods, waste, and materials - the perfect place to incite notable long-lasting change. When it comes to being more sustainable, what are major supermarkets in the UK doing to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions?
There is no doubt that supermarkets have significantly adjusted their supply chains and are making moves to reduce wastage and emission contributions. From recycling initiatives, single-use plastic bans, to the introduction of electric vehicles, exciting national action is beginning to take shape.
However, there seems to be a long way to go as overbearing food waste, excessive packaging, and electricity consumption is a staple of large grocery stores. In this discourse, we will be examining how supermarket chains are adopting sustainable initiatives and paving the way for greener shopping; is there hope for a zero-waste sustainable future?
Eco-Friendly Shopping: Sustainable Brands
It was a step in the right direction with the eradication of single-use plastic bags, which aimed to encourage ‘reusable bags for life’ and reduce the circulation of carrier bags. It’s been estimated that 160,000 plastic bags are used every second - and only used for roughly 12 minutes - but remain on the planet for thousands of years. This staggering statistic highlights the necessary steps for grocery stores to embrace monumental change and work hard to achieve a greener future.
Some commercial retailers have pledged to take this even further by eradicating the use of plastic bags in their entirety. In particular, Aldi announced that by 2025, they are making provisions for all packaging to be ‘reusable, recyclable, or compostable.’ In a similar vein, Sainsbury’s has also been hailed for their sustainable endeavors and is the first store in the UK to remove plastic bags for loose fruit, vegetables, and bakery goods!
However, there is no question that food is overburdened by excess packaging; often to an unnecessary degree. Many supermarkets have recognised the plastic problem, such as Iceland which trialed plastic-free options including; greengrocer bags and compostable containers. The company aims to roll out alternative packaging innovations by 2023.
Overall, supermarkets are a key component of global food culture and consumption. UK retailers are helping consumers become ‘green shoppers’ in a pledge to save the natural world, but are their waste reduction and sustainable initiatives enough?
Earth-Friendly Printing
Here at Apprintable, we are green to the very core and stock a plethora of plant-based offerings that can kickstart your sustainable strategy! We pledge to make the print industry a little greener with our cleverly crafted eco-friendly print category. We are brimming with planet-friendly packaging labels, biodegradable paper cups, and green posters and flyers to spread the word without harming the natural world. By switching to eco-friendly print, business leaders and large retailers elucidate the positive steps towards a cleaner sustainable future. Will you switch to eco-conscious printing?
Sources:
https://www.greenmatters.com/p/grocery-stores-sustainability
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/can-supermarkets-be-sustainability-superstars/
