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Supermarkets and climate change

Supermarkets come under the spotlight as retail tech app unveils a generational breakdown of the nation's attitudes towards plastic waste
Katie Hill - Editor-in-Chief, My Green Pod
Supermarkets and climate change

Every day, new research comes to light about just how devastating plastic waste can be. As a result its impact on our environment is commonly at the forefront of our thinking and our hopes to rescue the oceans.

Old and young tackle plastics

Across the world, it is estimated that over 1.4 million children took part in school strikes against climate change. However, Ubamarket findings have shown that older generations are more worried about plastic pollution, with 63% confirming that this was of paramount importance to them.

In addition to this, those over 55 were significantly more concerned about plastic use on food and drink products, with 90% stating the level was totally unnecessary and in need of immediate change.

40% of those aged 55+ agree that they now seek to actively purchase products that have less of an impact on the environment, even if they cost more.

Manufacturers and supermarkets

Retail app Ubamarket commissioned nationally representative research across a sample of 2003 UK adults. It found that 82% – nearly 43 million – of UK shoppers believe the level of plastic packaging on food and drink products needs to be changed drastically.

77% of Brits, representing more than 40 million nationally, think that, no matter how much they recycle, they feel it is the manufactures and supermarkets that are causing the most plastic pollution.

‘Ubamarket’s research highlights the growing sentiment within British consumers that the amount of plastic we are wasting simply isn’t acceptable. However, that sentiment is accompanied by a certain level of cynicism, that their efforts are somewhat in vain when compared with the vast tonnage of plastic waste produced by supermarkets and their suppliers.

‘Despite the fact that 57% of British shoppers believe that plastic waste is the greatest threat to the environment in modern history, an eye-watering 77% believe their efforts to reduce their waste is just a drop in the ocean compared to the plastic produced by companies. Despite this and the majority of Brits that believe environmentally friendly products are too expensive to make the permanent switch to, that hasn’t stopped 18.7 million from actively avoiding companies that they know have poor relationships with plastic.’

WILL BROOME
CEO and founder of Ubamarket

Plastic Alerts

Ubamarket have launched their ‘Plastic Alerts’ feature to empower consumers, who definitely shouldn’t underestimate the power they have over suppliers and supermarkets. Spending power is just about the most effective way shoppers can apply pressures to manufacturers to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in their products.

Ubamarket allows customers to scan their shopping as they go, guiding them to the products they need in store and letting them skip the till queues by paying for everything in-app.

‘Plastic Alerts’ works by displaying the plastic content of all scanned items, even when it might not be immediately apparent, allowing you to choose a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Click here to find out why Sainsbury’s was ranked worst for plastics by Greenpeace.

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