FARMTOFORK
FOOD UNWRAPPED :
WHY ZERO WASTE AND UNBOXED IS THE BEST FOOD CHOICE
IN RECENT YEARS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN NOTICING MORE AND MORE THE INORDINATE AMOUNT OF UNNECESSARY PACKAGING USED BY SUPERMARKETS EVERYDAY . FROM PLASTIC EGG CONTAINERS TO BANANAS THAT COME IN PLASTIC PACKAGING , TO SPICES SEALED IN PLASTIC JARS , THESE UNNECESSARY DECISIONS TO USE PLASTIC WHERE IT IS CLEARLY NOT WANTED OR NEEDED , ARE NOT ONLY INFURIATING SHOPPERS , BUT ALSO DESTROYING THE PLANET . ACCORDING TO EARTH DAY ; ‘ 8 MILLION METRIC TONS OF PLASTIC ARE THROWN INTO THE OCEAN ANNUALLY .’
Thankfully in response to these alarming figures , an alternative type of shop has started to spring up all over the county ; the unboxed shop . These shops are all about being as environmentally friendly as possible , while providing customers with the fresh produce they need . Now is the time , more than ever before , that each and every one of us can really make a difference in reducing the impact that single use plastics have on our planet . So don ’ t just focus on the quality and provenance of your ingredients but how you buy and store them too !
Charlotte Bowyer and Holly Watson from The Zero Waste Company ( www . thezerowastecompany . com ) in Royal Tunbridge Wells , started their business to help eliminate the use of single use plastics in the food industry , and aim to ensure the continued education and support of local people trying to make small , eco-friendly changes everyday . ‘ We wanted to create a space that encourages the community to come together and shop smartly , ethically and locally .’ Their zero waste philosophy is an integral part of becoming more mindful of the planet ; at Zero you buy as little or as much as you need , while decreasing your household plastic consumption by up to a staggering 80 %. From sweets to chocolate , to refill shampoos and conditioners , to dried and bulk goods , local eggs and milk , and a huge range of plastic free pantry items , everything they sell is local , ethical and sustainably sourced ! Creating a one-stop shop for all your zero waste needs .
The Faversham chapter of Macknade ’ s ( macknade . com ) Food Hall is home to another fabulously Kentish unboxed shop . At almost two years old , this section has become a firm favourite with locals and is brimming with the finest , freshest produce money can buy . Containers are filled to bursting with delicious snacks and produce , including nuts , fruits , seeds , and oats , with customers encouraged to bring their own containers to fill up , or simply grab one of their paper bags and feel like a kid in a candy store . Macknade explains ; ‘ As well as our unpackaged section , customers can also bring in their own containers for deli items such as cheese , salads and cooked meats , and we also sell glass milk bottles that can be returned to us to be sterilised . We are always looking at new ways in which we can reduce packaging and offer customers a more sustainable choice .’
SO IF YOU ARE SICK OF SEEING THE PLASTIC-FILLED HELLSCAPE EARTH SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME RECENTLY , CONSIDER TRYING THESE UNBOXED FOOD SHOPS THAT ARE TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES AND SAVING THE PLANET , ONE PLASTIC-FREE BANANA AT A TIME .
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