Trader Joe's Excessive Packaging?

I came across an interesting post on Trader Joe's and their excessive packaging. 

We just had a Trader Joe's open recently here in the Providence area and I agree with the author of this post - TJs does tend to package just about everything including fresh produce. 

Its actually an interesting trend I've noticed start to expand to more conventional grocery stores in our area.  This whole idea of "conveniently" packaged produce items - like a three pack of bell peppers or something. 

I've always thought this type of packaging was unnecessary and wasteful but it does seem to be making a resurgence.

In terms of Trader Joe's every time I am in one of their stores I get the feeling they do things "their way" and that is the end of the story. 

I like the chain as it offers an interesting alternative to other grocery stores and Whole Foods but you can tell they operate in a very systematic fashion when it comes to their goods.  Perhaps that has to do with their Aldi roots?

Picture of single packaged apple via Portland Vegetarian Examiner

Comments

[Anna]

One thing to remember is that not all packaging is 'overpackaging'. People often assume that fresh produce should not be packaged but in some cases the reduction the amount of wasted produce far outweighs the packaging. Example: lettuce in a ridged container rather than a bag. Seems to some people as 'overpackaging' but after speaking with the farm they explained the amazing amount of reduction in wasted produce, as well as extending shelf life because the lettuce was less bruised by the time it hit the shelves. Just something to consider. I know this isn’t the case all the time.