We call on grocers and all of us who shop regularly to reduce the sale and purchase of products packaged in plastic. We are participating in an orgy of plastic in grocery stores, from individually packaged English cucumbers to so-called “eco-friendly” cleaning products sold only in plastic containers.
However, the well-documented effects of the life cycle of plastic on health and the environment are numerous. In addition to these effects, 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
There are some advances such as the federal regulation banning single-use plastics in businesses and the Montreal regulation prohibiting the distribution of certain single-use items in places where food is distributed directly to the consumer. But, in Quebec, municipal selective collection only recovered in 2021, for recycling purposes, 21% of plastic (from which 8 to 10% of waste must be subtracted). The total quantity of plastic generated then being 248,000 tonnes. Worldwide, the total amount of plastic generated in 2019 is estimated at 353 million tonnes.
In this context, students carried out visits to evaluate the proportion of plastic used for product packaging in grocery stores (sampling: standard, low-cost and health grocery stores). This assessment, without being scientific, allowed us to see the extent of the quantity of plastic found on the shelves of food and cleaning products.
We noted that plastic containers and packaging, according to the grocery stores visited and for the few examples of products mentioned below, concern approximately:
— 100% nuts, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, frozen and pre-prepared fruits;
— Between 95% and 100% of candies, chips and other snack foods;
— Between 90% and 100% of cheeses, margarines, dips, yogurts, humus and compotes;
— Between 90% and 100% of cleaning products;
— Between 80% and 100% of meats, cold meats, sushi, cooked chicken, sandwiches and pre-prepared meals;
— Between 80% and 95% of hygienic products, including shampoos;
— Between 70% and 100% of smoothiesjuices, liqueurs and bottled water;
— Between 70% and 100% of cakes, biscuits (with inner packaging) and pastries;
— Between 70% and 100% of bread, pasta and pre-prepared dough;
— Between 50% and 100% of fruits and vegetables (100% for English cucumbers for example).
Do you find the percentages high? Observe the orgy of plastic on the shelves for yourself during your next trip to the grocery store.
Solutions
What can we do to reduce the orgy of plastic in grocery stores?
As a consumer, our first step must be to notice this invasion of plastic in grocery stores and understand the public health and environmental problems that result from it.
The second step is to consume differently by reducing our purchases and looking for bulk products and products in cardboard or glass containers and packaging. Zero waste grocery stores go even further in the ecological offer for the consumer.
The third step is to rethink our daily actions, for example, by preparing ecological plastic-free lunch boxes. Purchasing certified eco-responsible, organic and local products is another example of civic engagement.
As for grocers, they must make more room for unpackaged products or cardboard and glass containers and packaging. Small plastic bags for fruits and vegetables should be eliminated. As a consumer, it is simply a matter of bringing reusable bags to transport food rather than taking plastic bags.
Major initiatives are underway at the international and federal level to potentially reduce the quantity of plastic produced. Moreover, the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) on plastic pollution will take place in Canada from April 23 to 29. These initiatives are important, but often take a long time to produce concrete results.
So, since avoiding the production, consumption and elimination of plastic is crucial, why not act immediately by changing our grocery shopping habits? Let’s reduce the orgy of plastic for our health and for the environment!
* Have co-signed this text:
Student investigators at ESPUM’s DSEST: Cédric Kuete Sézine; Jean Kenson Bassette; Joshua Brutus; Natha Héleine Beaubrun Étienne; Komlanvi Sokemawu Fanou; Salime Nazaraly Karim; Reginald Orcius; Marilou Hamelin; Antoniya Mitrova; N’guessan N’guessan Pélagie M. Meless; Paola Carmen Ondoua Baana; Papa Mactar Ndiaye; Davi-Lorentz Da Petit-Frère; Marven Steve Pierrilus; Carme-Suze Lexida; Rafaela Spillebeen. Other DSEST students at ESPUM: Nancy Lussier; Abdourahamne Diallo; Beatrice Mukamana; Christelle Chrispin; Darcelin Jean; Denisse Puma Saavedra; Djassira Boris Koumtingue; Fatimata Sall; Najet Zaghab; Stendelet Ceus; Bertrand Jean; Mohamed Lamine Sylla; Joane D. Rene; Varnessah Desgranges; Ndiougue Diouf; Nyamulinda Gentil Habiragi; Joseph Bartaa; Perfect Kheshia Tchapdieu; Ruth Ngotuli Kendwa; Lisa Rodrigues; Jessica Esther Mendoza; Marie Fatoumata Keita; Meriem Zerrougui; Congratulations Mumbanza Nyamunyake; Rose Liseberthe Merise; Hafsa Melouane; Arnaud Stopa; Mariama Kane; Leonie Lorna Kenfack Nyetewe; Josée Marthelle Oumbe Kengne; Amina Tahouni; Alpha Mamadou Traore; Anicet Degan; Wonder Charline Tamema Masse; Narcia Rakotomalala.