There is a store that I love to shop in, down in Hoboken. It’s right on Washington Street (the main drag) around the center of town. They have organic and wonderfully fresh food and I’m happy to spend a bit more, even in rough economic times, for healthy food.
Lately they have started a practice that has made me upset and I need to write about it. They have chosen to eliminate the plastic forks, knives and napkins that were set out in separate compartments. Now they only have pre-packaged plastic utensils, which come with salt, pepper and one napkin.
I definitely need more than one napkin when I eat a sandwich or salad, but what am I to do? I must open another package. I choose to take the extras home with me so I can use them.
This is an unbelievable practice of waste. I look around and see forks, salt, etc…left on tables. Folks might also just choose to throw out what they didn’t even use.
I’d like to add that I think they need to stop using plastic bags and promote reusable bags.
I suggest the next time you’re in the store, comment about this, as I will on their website and in person and maybe they will change what they’re doing.
It’s sad to see this type of thing in an organic “green” type store.
Susan, that’s a perfect example. The pre-packaging of utensils with paper napkins causes waste. If each were available separately and the customer acted responsibly, only those items needed would be used. But by pre-packaging, it is impossible for the customer to choose only what is needed. This results in extra waste, and more profits for the company that sold your store on its pre-packaged product.
This phenomenon is behind the way a lot of goods are packaged. When goods are packaged in fixed quantities the customer is forced into buying a fixed amount, which is to the advantage of the retailer and the wholesaler, but not to the advantage of the customer.
There is one grocery store in my area that sells many items in bulk, things like cereals, grains, beans, and pastas. I bring my own bags and buy only as much as I want. I save on all the elaborate packaging and get the freedom of choosing my quantities.
Speak up. Let the people at the store know that they’re not creating a little paradise.