Plastic packaging for fruit and veg could soon be a thing of the past! A proposal is buzzing around the halls of Welsh government to ban unnecessary single-use plastic wrappers. Why the fuss? Well, plastic isn’t just a waste issue; it could be posing a health risk too.
There are claims that plastic packaging adds a whopping £2.1 billion to the UK’s annual food waste bill. Not to mention, as these plastics break down, they can make their way into our bodies, potentially increasing the risk of heart issues according to a study by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Rhys ab Owen, an independent voice in the Senedd, is leading this charge. He’s pushing for fruit and veg to be sold in paper bags instead. His view? Plastic packaging doesn’t extend the lifespan of many fruits and veggies, so why use it?
Support is strong from multiple angles, with Labour’s Carolyn Thomas pointing out that France has already ditched plastic for fresh produce – why not us too? Meanwhile, Janet Finch-Saunders, the Conservative shadow environment secretary, voices that detecting microplastics in human blood is a wake-up call to reduce plastic use.
Still, some cautionary voices are urging for more exploration before diving into new laws. It’s a lively debate that strikes a chord with many young people’s passion for a plastic-free future. Could we be witnessing a new, sustainable era for our beloved produce? Let us know your thoughts below! 🍏🍌🥕