If shops won’t unwrap it voluntarily, they should have to take the rap

RAPPERS such as Mos Def, dead prez and Schoolly D have their function as exponents of modern rhythms and music, though they would not be my cup of tea.

Less functional, though, are many of the wrappers we see in our shops and supermarkets.

A few months ago, I was intrigued at the picture of a swede on the front page of a British newspaper. The photo was about one foot square and showed the hapless swede completely cloaked in cellophane wrapping.

The point being made by the paper was, of course, that the swede was in possession of its own hardy outer that did not need any reinforcing from cellophane — a foolish practice by some UK supermarket chain that was thinking little enough about our environment. Now it appears that such daft practices have reached our shores.

In the past week, while shopping locally I noticed that bananas are getting the cellophane treatment. Despite the fact that their hardy hides have served them well since time immemorial, this fruit is now being unbunched into sealed, transparent bags.

And it will come as no surprise to you that the supermarkets are charging us a premium for such cosseted bananas.

The ‘own brand’ pack cost €1.19, compared to the equivalent loose price of €1.15 — a premium of 3.5%

But the euphonious ‘Freddy Ffyffe’ pack, at €1.89 with a loose equivalent of €1.08, turns in a tasty premium of 75%.

Harsh, though, on the environment and the purse.....

Shops and supermarkets really do have the clout to end this particular type of waste.

They themselves have substantial problems with the amounts of packaging they have to process, without adding to the morass.

If they don’t urwrap it, then I feel they should be made to take the rap.

Joe Conway

44 Roselawn

Tramore

Co Waterford