Whole Foods should take wasteful single-use plastic packaging off its shelves

Grocery store shelves are stocked with foods packaged in wasteful single-use plastic. Major chains such as Whole Foods can and must do better.

Beyond plastic

Staff | TPIN
According to a survey of 50 companies, Whole Foods’ plastic packaging footprint is among the worst. The company earned an “F,” putting it behind other major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger.

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Matt Casale

Former Director, Environment Campaigns, PIRG

Whole Foods claims that its mission is to “nourish people and the planet,” so why is there so much wasteful plastic packaging on its shelves? Far from nourishing us, piles of plastic trash put our health and communities at risk.

According to a survey of 50 companies, Whole Foods’ plastic policies are among the worst. The company earned an “F,” putting it behind other major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger.

Whole Foods can and must do more to reduce its contribution to the plastic waste crisis.

How did Whole Foods earn its failing grade on plastic?

The company has failed to embrace reusable packaging, and it hasn’t been transparent about the packaging materials it does use. The good news, though, is that Whole Foods can make a huge impact if it acts right now. The company can set a valuable example for others in the industry to follow by making a bold, time-bound commitment to reducing its plastic footprint.

Right now, convincing companies like Whole Foods to do the right thing on plastic pollution is more important than ever.

To cut plastic waste we need to use less in the first place

Over 91% of plastic is never recycled, even though so many of us carefully sort plastic into the recycling bin. We can’t solve the plastic problem with recycling alone. We also need less plastic to enter our lives in the first place, and what better place to start than the grocery store?

The more of us who speak up, the more likely Whole Foods is to listen. We know we can convince Whole Foods to cut back on wasteful plastic — but we need your help.

Take action to tell Whole Foods that it’s time to take the lead on reducing plastic waste.

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Matt Casale

Former Director, Environment Campaigns, PIRG