I STOPPED BY ONE OF YOUR STORES THE OTHER EVENING to get a few things, starting with sweet potatoes. Nearby were two bins of regular potatoes individually wrapped in plastic. I found this astonishing. I wondered: Why is such a thing necessary? (For microwave facilitation, according to the label.)
On my way to some other items, I happened by the bakery, where a fluted shortbread cookie caught my eye. I asked for one, thinking that it might be slipped into a tiny envelope. Instead, the attendant first wrapped it in paper, then sealed it in a large, waxy bag with room for a dozen more.
At the deli, I decided to get a couple of tamales for an easy dinner. This time I was ready. When the server started getting out a big plastic tub, I asked her instead to just put the tamales in something small. She did. But her colleague actually tried to countermand this, saying I would need the tub to microwave the tamales. (It's a theme! But, hello? I own plates?)
At the register, I noticed the cashier putting a couple of frozen items into a plastic bag inside the regular bag. I told her the extra protection wasn't necessary -- so she crumpled the unused bag and threw it in the garbage.
By this point I was bewildered. Admittedly, I contributed to the situation by seeking the convenience of prepared foods instead of responsibly buying ingredients in bulk and cooking at home -- time, initiative and all that. But the people at your store didn't seem to be even remotely aware of conservation. (I should mention that they were all nonetheless quite friendly, with the exception, perhaps, of Plastic Tub Pushin' Woman.)
I suspect you may argue that you're simply giving customers what they want. But if this is what they want, they are ill-informed. You can lead by example. Make it so that the people who insist on a big environmental footprint are the ones who have to make the extra effort, not the other way around.
I'm far from perfect myself. But I'll work on it from my end, if you'll tackle it from yours.
Sincerely,
