CAMPAIGN FOR ZERO WASTE - Supermarkets and oil companies have a lot to answer for. Politicians must explain why they let the retailers and fossil fuel industry get away with a practice they know to be harmful to marine life. Companies are largely driven by money and greed, their shareholders often kept in the dark. All the while millions of seabirds are dying, polar bears are playing with plastic and even shellfish have become inedible in some locations. This is morally unsound!

The very existence of supermarkets encourages producers to seek ways of presenting their goods to compete for trade and vie for cost savings, to get the customers. But it must be said that plastic is useful for wrapping produce to keep it fresh, and the lure into unsustainable practices is understandable. But that was before we realised that we are poisoning the marine environment, and the fish that feed a substantial proportion of people around the world, upsetting the Blue Economy, where in the face of population growth and desertification, the sea is a valuable resource.

Much of the argument for plastic packaging is to do with being able to see the produce. Where there are now many transparent films with biodegradable and compost-able qualities, we imagine it would be a relatively simple matter to use paper/cardboard trays with clear window films made of the more environmentally friendly bio-polymers.

We therefore propose canvassing supermarkets to enjoin in the Seven Point cleanup Plan, where bag taxes (in the UK) and outright single use bans, have failed to make any impact on plastic reduction, other than single use bags.

ARTICLE 1 (draft)

1. Supermarkets and other major retailers and manufacturers of packaged goods, should consider replacing plastic bags with paper and cloth. Paper for casual purchases and cloth to carry more weight. Cardboard boxes that are at present crushed after goods have been displayed, could be offered to customers on a free basis. Replaced items qualify for trading credits as per Article 7.

2. Supermarkets should endeavor to create a relationship with their customers, the aim being to encourage customers to bring their own carrying bags. Most retailers already have the mechanism to do so with Loyalty Cards. (For example in the UK the Tesco Club Card could give points for those bringing their own bags.)

3. Efforts should be made to redesign packaging for goods currently in plastic containers and packs, the aim being to replace & least 90% with paper and cardboard for the structural element, and 100% for styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) protective fillers. Transparent windows for customers to inspect the goods, should be made of biodegradable plastic. Re-designed items qualify for trading credits as per Article 7.

4. Care should be taken in the labeling of products. Where the producers admit that their containers are "currently not recyclable," they should seek to replace with alternative materials. which are recyclable, or include in an approved recycling regime as per Article 5.

5. Supermarkets and other major retailers or manufacturers of packaged goods, should seek to encourage third party suppliers to provide their goods in similarly packaged goods. Goods supplied to supermarkets without any re-design, should be subject to Plastic Tax, as per Article 7.

6. Products should carry packaging information in digital form for stocking and tracking purposes, especially in relation to fines and rewards. Stocking data should be made available for inspection of packaging, such as to rate in terms of Offset Trading as per Article 7.

7. Products claiming to be packaged in biodegradable plastic should clearly state if the term "compostable" decomposes domestically, or otherwise state that industrial composters are required. This information being part of a digital stocking system as per Section 6 above.

In tandem with negotiating with supermarket chains, we should identify and target the makers of poorly packaged items, Naming and Shaming, but before that asking them to change their ways on a voluntary basis, by replacing plastic in packaging with paper (for example). We anticipate stiff resistance to change that will only come from the introduction of such a scheme. It is anticipated that presenting their products in socially unacceptable way, will reduce their market share. Reason enough to finally change their thinking, or be relegated to the ranks of brands that failed adapt in time to survive.