Comments on The Art of Engineering: Efficiency is the goal

Oh, I should just add that I try to order or buy u...

2008-10-15T14:06:00.000+02:00

Oh, I should just add that I try to order or buy unpackaged foods whenever possible. Making use of a good organic box scheme, or something like the ethical coop is a great way to get good unpackaged produce.

Woolworths is quite a good example, and also provi...

2008-10-15T12:22:00.000+02:00

Woolworths is quite a good example, and also provides an interesting dichotomy.

On the one hand you have their marketing strategy which centres around an upmarket, high quality message. The message requires the nice packaging, the perfect looking produce, and so forth.

On the other hand you have their commitment to good business and environmental practices. They are third largest buyer of organic cotton in the world (cotton farming requires lots of pesticides), they have a well laid out good business strategy which they are slowly implementing, they have begun to mark all their plastic packaging with the type (which allows for easier recycling), and they actively engage in recycling and using recycled products (have a look at their baskets).

Now I am not too sure how far they are willing to go with regards to packaging. I suspect that they will argue that the packaging allows for better transportation and longevity of the foods, and that package marking will improve recycling. At the least I would want to see them introduce recycling bins in their stores, at the best find a package free way to present their food, and in the middle offer a way to reuse packaging (which is probably the most difficult).

The sale of organic produce is a definite win for the environment. It encourages better farming practices which preserve both our water and our soil.

Woolworths is (in my view) a leader in South Africa in terms of good environmental practices. Can they lead others beyond the lure of shiny packaging and perfect produce? That remains to be seen.

Your first remark about materials struck me: food....

2008-10-15T09:21:00.000+02:00

Your first remark about materials struck me: food.

It has always bothered me how a food chain such as Woolworths can market their products as being organic (supposedly not damaging the environment), but use such profuse amounts of plastic packaging (damaging the environment, since I haven't seen anything on their packaging to make me believe differently).

It is not only Woolworths, but they were the first to use these aesthetical forms of packaging. Since then, others have followed in their steps.