For a long time now plastic packaging in grocery stores has been king. Every little item, be it from cleaning supplies, to shampoos, cereal, bread and veggies come packed in layers of plastic. Over the years, we’ve seen some absurd uses of plastic in packaging – single veggies wrapped in foam nets, placed on foam trays and wrapped taut with clear plastic! But with the circulation of images of plastic clogging landfills, filling up the ocean and harming marine life, there has been a significant shift to zero waste supermarkets.
What are zero waste supermarkets?
Across the globe, zero waste supermarkets have begun sprouting, wherein the use of packaging is completely eliminated. The concept involves clear self-service bins and dispensers stocked full with pantry staples, self-care items created from natural materials, solid shampoo bars, soaps and detergents and the sale of reusable storage containers. One needs to bring their own boxes and bottles to the store and can refill all staples, measuring them out by weight. These stores even sell reusable cloth utensil covers, beeswax food wrap, and shopping bags fashioned from sacks.
Environmental consciousness
While these stores are doing their part in cutting out plastic, what they are also doing is instilling environmental consciousness in their customers. Upon entering a zero waste supermarket, one is made immediately aware of the care with which the store has sourced items that are organic, don’t involve artificial ingredients and package-free. This is an education in itself, as it brings to light the little things we can do to eliminate the use of single-use plastic in our lives.
The challenges
Zero waste supermarkets pose some challenges. For starters, the concept largely caters to an elite customer base, as pricing is relatively higher owing to the sale of organic, handmade and natural products.
The no-packaging concept is an issue for those who do not have private transport. Those who avail public transportation may find it hard to travel with reusable boxes and bottles all the way to the store and back; plastic bags are lighter than glass bottles and boxes, after all. Another concern with zero waste supermarkets is the reduced shelf-life of most products. Unlike pre-packaged groceries and pantry essentials, those that are placed in open jars and dispensers simply won’t stay fresh for long. For customers, this would mean having to make time for grocery shopping nearly daily. On the business side, this means that stocks need to move fast for the store to maintain its quality.
Nevertheless, the zero waste supermarket concept is one to look forward to, as it contributes to a sustainable lifestyle. Though there are issues that need ironing out, it’s heartening to see more people doing their bit for the environment. Oman also recently welcomed Go Green Oman, a package free supermarket situated in Salam Square & Gallery in Madinat Sultan Qaboos.