Published on
Équiterre’s new report on reducing food packaging sought to answer this important question: how can we accelerate the transition to zero waste at food retailers?
The simple answer: improve the supply and the demand will follow!
The findings are clear:
The Canadian population is more than ready for expanded zero waste options in the food sector.
Binding legislative measures are needed, and our governments must get to work!
Équiterre’s survey clearly counter’s the food industry’s common argument that customers are uncertain about zero waste practices. They must look at the evolving trends.
40.6% of Canadians already buy in bulk
56% of those surveyed are willing to use their own reusable containers (5% already do!)
78% of Canadians shop in supermarkets, so efforts need to be made to make zero waste options more accessible in these stores. Food retailers will clearly not make this big transition on their own, so our governments have an important role to play to encourage them.
40.6%
of Canadians already buy in bulk
How?
By setting clear targets for reuse and for reducing single use containers and packaging in the short term. Our governments must impose constraints that will allow us to take zero waste food to another level, because beyond single use plastic item bans and piecemeal policies, it takes a global vision.
All of the recommendations in our report point in the same direction: imposing targets towards a profound transformation of our food production and distribution chains.
To reduce the amount of waste caused by packaging that accumulates along the food production, transportation and distribution chain, the zero waste transition is essential.
The data is in, the reflections are happening, and the customers are ready!
