While one school of thought holds that manufacturers and supermarkets should take responsibility for reducing the amount of packaging of goods, others are of the opinion that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging. This essay will first examine both viewpoints before concluding that I support the latter.
On the one hand, there are good grounds for advocating that producers and retailers should minimise packaging. The primary reason behind this thinking is that large companies have the resources and influence to change packaging design on a big scale. They say if supermarkets replace plastic wrap with paper or bulk dispensers, then overall waste will fall sharply. For example, a well-known supermarket could offer refill stations for detergents so shoppers do not need to buy new plastic bottles each time. This example underscores that when businesses act, they can reduce packaging waste for many products without waiting for customers to change behaviour.
On the other hand, I side with those who believe that customers should avoid buying goods with excessive packaging. Perhaps the foremost reason would be that consumer choices drive what stores stock. If people refuse to buy heavily wrapped items, shops will notice lower sales and switch to simpler packaging. This can be seen in local farmers’ markets where most buyers choose loose vegetables instead of pre-packed ones. This example is a testament to the power of customer demand in making businesses change their packaging methods.
In conclusion, while it is understandable for manufacturers and supermarkets to reduce packaging, I would contend that customers avoiding excessively packaged goods is more effective. By choosing products with minimal wrap, consumers can directly influence market practices and help reduce waste.