Costco’s Attempt to Reduce Plastic Packaging Sparks Debate Among Chicken Lovers
Earlier this year, Costco made a bold move to cut down on its plastic usage by switching its popular rotisserie chicken packaging from a bulky clam shell to a thin bag. However, this decision did not sit well with some chicken lovers who found the new bags leaky and prone to splitting open, causing a greasy mess.
The packaging change at Costco is just one example of the ongoing packaging wars as businesses, policymakers, and consumers grapple with the need to reduce plastic waste. While there is broad agreement that the world needs to use less plastic, finding practical solutions has proven to be challenging.
Sandra Goldmark, a sustainability expert at Columbia University, noted that many current experiments with reducing plastic usage are not working well. She emphasized the importance of finding truly sustainable alternatives or moving towards reusable packaging to effectively tackle the plastic waste problem.
In response to the push for reduced plastic packaging, some companies are starting to make changes. Amazon announced plans to replace plastic air pillows with recycled-paper packing, while Bath & Body Works introduced hand soap refills in paper cartons. Other initiatives include using paper bands to package bananas and selling wine in paper bottles.
Despite the challenges and trade-offs involved in sustainable packaging design, experts agree that progress is necessary to combat the environmental impact of plastic waste. While “less bad” solutions like Costco’s chicken bags may not be perfect, they represent a step in the right direction towards reducing plastic usage and promoting more environmentally friendly practices.
