Around the world, initiatives are multiplying to reduce the production and use of plastics. In Thailand, supermarket managers came up with a creative idea to replace plastic—specifically, using banana leaves to wrap vegetables. This initiative is also being implemented in Vietnam.
As of January 1, 2019, global plastic production has totaled more than 80,200,000 metric tons And in terms of pollution, it's a disaster. Ideas are emerging to limit its use.
This is the case in Thailand, at a supermarket in the city of Chiang Mai. The Rimping Supermarket offers a simple yet unusual alternative in its produce section.The vegetables are wrapped in locally grown banana leaves. From peppers to lettuce, each one is wrapped in or placed inside a leaf that is guaranteed to be pesticide-free.
Countries that produce this type of tree can take a cue from the Rimping Supermarket.So in Vietnam , the country's three largest supermarket chains—Lotte Mart, Saigon Co.op in Ho Chi Minh City, and Big C in Hanoi—are promoting these practices aimed at better protecting the environment. Customers at the Lotte Mart in Ho Chi Minh City were surprised recently to see their spring onions, okra, and other local vegetables wrapped in banana leaves. The network plans to expand this initiative to its entire network by the end of the year. The idea would be to use this same packaging to package fresh meat as well.
This clever use of banana leaves—even if it isn't suitable everywhere—shows that a very simple idea can have a positive impact.
On pepsnews.com
