LIDL & Waitrose exposed as worst offenders for excessive packaging.

• Mar. 11 by Phil Gordon (1)

In a recent survey carried out by the Local Government Association (LGA), it was found that LIDL and Waitrose were the worst supermarket offenders when it came to excessive product packaging.

The LGA report stated that over 40%  of packaging found in a typical shopping basket cannot be recycled.

It was found that Waitrose had the most excessive packaging and LIDL had the highest percentage of materials in it’s packaging which could not be easily recycled.

Praises however must go to Tesco which has the least excessive packaging and Sainsburys for it’s highest ranking of materials which could be recycled.

Margaret Eaton, chairman of the LGA, stated

“If we had less unnecessary packaging it would cut costs and lead to lower prices at the tills. When packaging is sent to landfill, it’s expensive for taxpayers and damaging for the environment. Supermarkets need to up their game so it’s easier for people to do their bit to help the environment.”

With the LGA raising awareness of problems in waste and recycling along with Asda scrapping the traditional free plastic bags, what can YOU do to help the enviroment ?

Recycle Today demonstrate 4 easy to follow tips that can help you do your part in helping save the enviroment within everday life:

1) Recycle on your doorstep

‘ Nine out of ten of us have kerbside collection schemes, so if you don’t already have a recycling box or bag provided by your local council, it’s worth you calling them up and checking that you haven’t been missed out! ‘

Top Tip: Keep your recycling bin next to the main bin so you can take out the rubbish and recycling at the same time

2) Find out what you can recycle

‘ Different councils collect different materials although most collect cans, glass and paper. ‘

Top Tip: Make recycling part of your weekly supermarket trip and “drop when you shop” at supermarket recycling centres

3)  Sort your rubbish

‘ Now that you know what items you can recycle, find a handy place to store them. Make sure you encourage everyone in your house to think whether items can be reused or recycled before they’re thrown away.’

Top Tip: Some things need to be washed before you put them out for recycling – use your old washing up water to give them a quick rinse

4) Check the date and put out your recycling

‘ Find out from your council what day your recycling will be collected. In some areas recyling is collected every week and in others it’s collected fortnightly.’

Top Tip: Mark the date on the calendar or request a recycling calendar from your council