Impact
- By avoiding unnecessary packaging, you could save 84 pieces of plastic per person per year
Food
Shop unpacked
Buy loose fruit and veg, choose packaging-free options, and shop at zero-waste stores
Why this Pledge is so important
- Avoiding unnecessary packaging, like buying loose fruit and veg instead of using plastic bags, can greatly reduce waste and pollution. In Australia, business-to-consumer transactions generate about 1,069,700 tonnes of packaging waste each year. On top of that, around 26.98 billion single-use plastic packaging items are used annually
- Single-use plastics and too much packaging add to the plastic pollution problem, harming wildlife and ecosystems, especially in the oceans. By choosing products with little or no packaging, we can help cut down the demand for single-use and encourage more sustainable practices in retail.
5 reasons to shop unpacked
- Reduce waste: Cuts down on the amount of packaging that ends up in landfills and oceans.
- Save resources: Lowers the demand for raw materials used to make packaging.
- Lower carbon footprint: Reduces the energy and emissions involved in manufacturing and disposing of packaging materials.
- Support sustainable practices: Encourages retailers and producers to use eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
- Promote healthier choices: Fresh, unpackaged foods are often healthier and free from preservatives found in packaged items.
5 easy packaging swaps
- Buy loose produce: Purchase fruits and vegetables without using plastic bags.
- Support zero-waste stores: Shop at stores that offer bulk products without packaging.
- Use reusable bags: Bring your own reusable bags when you go food shopping.
- Choose paper or cloth bags: Opt for bread and baked goods packaged in paper or cloth instead of plastic.
- Avoid double-packaged items: Pick products with minimal or no extra packaging.
