Let's take a look at how the big brand supermarkets compare in the sustainability stakes
Which? has started a report that looks at what our top supermarkets are doing about sustainability. They have been exploring each of the top supermarket’s eco-friendly credentials basing their findings on 3 main criteria including:
– What does the supermarket do with food waste?
– How are they with net-zero (emission) targets?
– What is their volume of plastic packaging? (and what are their levels of recyclability like?)
Bundant is great as a sustainable method for replenishing household staples like laundry pods and dishwashing tablets, but when it comes to fresh produce, for the majority of people, we know it’s a trip to the supermarket.
Is it possible to live an eco-friendly, green life whilst also enjoying the convenience of supermarket shopping?
Here's how the main big brand supermarkets compared to one another in the sustainability head-to-head.
1. Lidl
The German-founded store has put much into driving a zero-waste approach. They scored highest on greenhouse gas emissions, and second best on plastic usage – but lowest on the food waste.
2. Waitrose
The John Lewis owned grocers scored highest on the plastic usage – meaning they used comparatively little per 100k grocery packs sold. They also scored well in emissions (joint top).
3. Aldi
Another top-performing supermarket on the greenhouse gas front, but middling on plastics and as bad as Lidl on Food waste.
4. Tesco
The largest supermarket in the UK is middle of the pack when it comes to emissions and plastic usage – but nearer the top of the table on food waste.
5. Sainsbury's
Near the top of the pack in all 3 core areas, but an overall average performance.
6. Asda
Similar performance to Sainsbury’s. Making moves in the right directions but currently not great.
7. Others
Co-op and M&S perform poorly – which is especially surprising with Co-op given its community background and positive contribution to local causes- although it does manage to come second on the plastics usage, due to it’s in-store plastic recycling options.
8. Zero-Waste Alternatives
There are alternatives to the main well-known names. Farm shops and even dedicated zero-waste stores provide low (or no) packaging options, with all goods sourced from local producers in the main – meaning the overall environmental impact is lower.
Ripple, Cardiff’s very first not-for-profit zero-waste and ethical lifestyle store is an excellent example of zero-waste shopping. Check out our interview with founder Sophie to read more about her zero-waste journey.
How can we shop in a more eco-friendly way?
Admittedly, supermarkets still have a long way to go when it comes to sustainability and improving their eco rankings and a lot of this is out of our hands. However, as a nation, we can still opt to shop sensibly and with the planet in mind – so opt for those loose veggies over the more expensive bagged bunch and refill your cupboard essentials in zero-waste shops (if, and where possible).
Wherever you can, and choose, to shop, we hope you’ll agree that a zero-waste habit is a very good one to get into. Here’s to making the world a greener place one food shop at a time.
At Bundant, we’re helping people plan for a waste-less future. Try out the Bundant Starter Bundle and have your reusable goods reordered with no hassle
Who Are The Top Eco-Friendly Supermarkets In The UK?
Let's take a look at how the big brand supermarkets compare in the sustainability stakes
Which? has started a report that looks at what our top supermarkets are doing about sustainability. They have been exploring each of the top supermarket’s eco-friendly credentials basing their findings on 3 main criteria including:
– What does the supermarket do with food waste?
– How are they with net-zero (emission) targets?
– What is their volume of plastic packaging? (and what are their levels of recyclability like?)
Bundant is great as a sustainable method for replenishing household staples like laundry pods and dishwashing tablets, but when it comes to fresh produce, for the majority of people, we know it’s a trip to the supermarket.
Is it possible to live an eco-friendly, green life whilst also enjoying the convenience of supermarket shopping?
Here's how the main big brand supermarkets compared to one another in the sustainability head-to-head.
1. Lidl
The German-founded store has put much into driving a zero-waste approach. They scored highest on greenhouse gas emissions, and second best on plastic usage – but lowest on the food waste.
2. Waitrose
The John Lewis owned grocers scored highest on the plastic usage – meaning they used comparatively little per 100k grocery packs sold. They also scored well in emissions (joint top).
3. Aldi
Another top-performing supermarket on the greenhouse gas front, but middling on plastics and as bad as Lidl on Food waste.
4. Tesco
The largest supermarket in the UK is middle of the pack when it comes to emissions and plastic usage – but nearer the top of the table on food waste.
5. Sainsbury's
Near the top of the pack in all 3 core areas, but an overall average performance.
6. Asda
Similar performance to Sainsbury’s. Making moves in the right directions but currently not great.
7. Others
Co-op and M&S perform poorly – which is especially surprising with Co-op given its community background and positive contribution to local causes- although it does manage to come second on the plastics usage, due to it’s in-store plastic recycling options.
8. Zero-Waste Alternatives
There are alternatives to the main well-known names. Farm shops and even dedicated zero-waste stores provide low (or no) packaging options, with all goods sourced from local producers in the main – meaning the overall environmental impact is lower.
Ripple, Cardiff’s very first not-for-profit zero-waste and ethical lifestyle store is an excellent example of zero-waste shopping. Check out our interview with founder Sophie to read more about her zero-waste journey.
How can we shop in a more eco-friendly way?
Admittedly, supermarkets still have a long way to go when it comes to sustainability and improving their eco rankings and a lot of this is out of our hands. However, as a nation, we can still opt to shop sensibly and with the planet in mind – so opt for those loose veggies over the more expensive bagged bunch and refill your cupboard essentials in zero-waste shops (if, and where possible).
Wherever you can, and choose, to shop, we hope you’ll agree that a zero-waste habit is a very good one to get into. Here’s to making the world a greener place one food shop at a time.
At Bundant, we’re helping people plan for a waste-less future. Try out the Bundant Starter Bundle and have your reusable goods reordered with no hassle