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Packaging

Download a copy of the Packaging Campaign Pack for ideas about how you can continue campaigning on this important issue.

At the 2005 NFWI AGM, WI members passed a resolution calling for action to reduce waste and preserve our natural resources, especially in the production, packaging and transportation of public and consumer goods.Excess packaging food in a jute bag

Packaging Day of Action in London
In our 90th anniversary report 90@90: The impact of 90 years of consumer behaviour, WI members expressed concerns about the amount of packaging on supermarket shelves.

Fruit and vegetables, in particular, were being packaged unnecessarily: for example, shrink-wrapped cucumbers and coconuts, bananas found in plastic bags, and courgettes on plastic trays and in plastic bags. Not only is this packaging unnecessary but it is often non-recyclable.

More than 100 events took place as part of the WI Packaging Day of Action on 20 June 2006 which saw WI members from across the country return unnecessary and excess packaging to supermarkets.
Food in excess packaging

What do we want supermarkets to do?

  1. Get rid of unnecessary and excessive packaging on food products.
  2. Use only compostable and recyclable materials where packaging is required.
  3. Set an example by either charging for plastic carrier bags or offering financial incentives to those who reuse their own bags.
  4. Donate their food waste to charities where possible and ensure that the remainder is composted.
  5. Purchase more local foods (within a 30 mile radius of the store) to cut down on food miles and reduce the need for packaging.