Plastic Free July’s Post

🌍 Sustainability Challenges & Innovations in the Middle East 🌍 In the Middle East, the journey towards sustainability is paved with unique challenges, particularly in recycling infrastructure. Unlike in Europe or the US, where government-managed systems prevail, our region relies heavily on privatized services. This shift not only makes recycling services less accessible but often introduces a cost barrier for consumers, deterring them from participating in recycling efforts. At Alshaya Group, we're committed to overcoming these hurdles. Through extensive research and innovative thinking, we've tailored our approach to suit each country's specific needs, achieving varying levels of success. Understanding the crucial need for accessible recycling, we've launched in-store take-back programs. These allow customers to easily return textiles at our fashion brands and plastic packaging at The Body Shop, simplifying the recycling process. Our initiatives are more than just a service—they're a testament to our commitment to sustainability and empowering our customers. By doing the legwork to ensure recyclables are processed correctly, we aim to cultivate an eco-conscious community, making recycling a hassle-free part of daily life. The path to sustainability in the Middle East may have its obstacles, but with persistence and innovative solutions like ours, progress is inevitable. Let's continue to push the boundaries and create a more sustainable future for our region. #Sustainability #Recycling #MiddleEast #Innovation #EcoFriendly #CircularEconomy #AlshayaGroup

Beyond emissions, retail activities also contribute to other environmental impacts such as deforestation, water pollution, and waste generation. In light of these trends and the growing urgency of climate change, retailers cannot afford to overlook their role in sustainability efforts. There is a need to embrace sustainability as a core business priority and implement comprehensive strategies to reduce their environmental impact, retailers can not only mitigate risks but also unlock opportunities for long-term growth and competitive advantage in an increasingly eco-conscious market. The Shoprite Group of Companies Jumia Group Massmart Mr Price Group Pick n Pay Twiga Foods Steinhoff International Wasoko Pepkor Holdings Limited Carrefour #retailsustainability https://lnkd.in/ds9xM4uw

Recyclable Shopping Bags in Dubai: Retailers Leveraging Policy for Profit and Promotion A couple of years ago, Dubai introduced a policy aimed at phasing out single-use plastic bags, which are harmful to the environment. This policy encouraged the shift toward recyclable or reusable shopping bags as part of the city’s sustainability goals. However, many retailers have used this as an opportunity not only to comply but to also promote their brands. Almost all the recyclable bags being offered today are branded, turning them into walking advertisements. Many retailers have also capitalized on the shift by selling these bags at a markup, using environmental consciousness as a way to boost profits. Interestingly, only a few retailers have introduced cost-effective reusable options, demonstrating a stronger commitment to sustainability. This raises an important question: are retailers genuinely supporting the environment, or are they simply leveraging this policy for profit and brand promotion? For consumers, the added cost might drive a move toward reusable solutions, but is this enough to truly reduce waste and change consumer behavior? #Sustainability #RetailInnovation #BrandedBags #GreenRetail #EcoFriendlyInitiatives

🌿 Aldi's Latest Steps Toward Sustainable Packaging! 🌿 Aldi is taking significant strides in its sustainability journey by trialling the removal of pulp trays and plastic punnets from several fruit and vegetable lines. By eliminating these materials from products like Nature's Pick Cherry Tomatoes, Sliced Mushrooms, Baby Plum Tomatoes, and more, Aldi aims to reduce over 370 tonnes of plastic and packaging annually if implemented across all stores. Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, emphasises the importance of these initiatives, stating, "Becoming a more sustainable supermarket is important to not only us but our customers too." With previous trials like the removal of plastic packaging on bananas, Aldi continues to lead the way in reducing environmental impact. 🌱🍅🥑 #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #Packaging #Aldi #EnvironmentalImpact #GreenInitiatives

As we recover from the recent storm in the UAE, this Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder of the work we have to do to protect and serve our communities and planet. At Majid Al Futtaim, we believe in the power of collective action to drive positive change for our planet and future generations. Across Carrefour stores, we have implemented various initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint. This includes implementing a new cooling system to enhance energy efficiency and switching over to the “closed fridge” format in 87 stores to save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, we have introduced water management systems in seven hypermarket stores, resulting in an impressive eight per cent water savings. Furthermore, our installation of reverse vending machines (RVMs) in 44 stores has facilitated the recycling of approximately one million cans/bottles in 2023, saving 150 tons of CO2. Within our supply chain operations, sustainability remains a core focus. We have successfully transitioned our truck fleet to biodiesel, with 61 trucks covering eight million kilometers annually. Embracing sustainable mobility, we have also incorporated five electric bikes into our fleet. Moreover, our Distribution Centre attained the ISO 14001 certification, a hallmark recognition of our global compliance with environmental standards. Addressing the critical issue of food waste, we have donated over 196 tons of bakery items through our partnership with UAE Food Bank, contributing to food security and waste reduction. Additionally, our collaboration with Zaad App marks a significant milestone in our efforts to combat food waste, furthering our commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management. While we take great pride in these accomplishments, we also recognise the importance that each individual and organisation plays in making meaningful changes to our lives, to contribute to the collective betterment of our communities and planet. Together, we hold the power to make a positive impact. Join us in celebrating Earth Day and taking impactful actions to preserve our environment for future generations. #EarthDay #Sustainability #MajidAlFuttaim #Carrefour

#GoodNewsMonday: Aldi becomes first major US retailer to stop selling plastic shopping bags 🎉 After months of gradually removing the plastic bag option at checkout, Aldi officials said that they have officially eliminate them from the chain's 2,300 stores across the US. 🛒 According to Aldi, this decision will prevent almost 4,400 tons, or nearly 9 million bounds of plastic, from entering circulation annually. And with single-use plastic bags removed in Walmarts in New York and Connecticut, plastic bags banned in Colorado, and plastic bag check-out costs emerging across the country, a new standard for retail plastic pollution is making its way across the United States. With plastic bags banned at supermarkets and liquor stores across the country in Canada in 2022, what do you think the next step in eliminating plastic pollution should be? 🤔 Read more here ➡️ linktr.ee/mindyourplastic #PlasticFreeLandAndSeas #GoodNews #PlasticPollution #PlasticReduction #PlasticBags

ALDI USA announced Wednesday its U.S. stores have stopped offering plastic shopping bags, closing out a pledge it announced back in 2022. The discounter said it will also transition to natural refrigerants by the end of 2035. Starting this year, the company is planning to buy environmentally friendly refrigerants for all of its new and remodeled stores as well as replace refrigerants in existing stores with ones that have low global warming potential. The two efforts aim to build on the discount grocer’s sustainability moves as the grocery industry ramps up its planet-focused work. Grocery sector continues to look at ways to move away from plastic. Partnering with packaging companies as part of moving towards more environmental-friendly packaging. https://lnkd.in/gEyuHqxK This is amazing work by Walmart and Loop Packaging

The escalating environmental crisis demands innovative solutions and a shift towards sustainable practices. One significant contributor to this issue is the rampant consumption of single-use plastics, particularly in the realm of food and beverage packaging. Starbucks, a global coffee giant, has a substantial role to play in addressing this challenge. Encouraging customers to opt for reusable coffee mugs instead of disposable plastic cups presents a viable avenue for reducing plastic waste and fostering a more sustainable future. By promoting the use of reusable mugs, Starbucks can not only minimize its environmental impact but also inspire a broader shift towards conscious consumption. Alshaya Group #starbucksoman Encouraging everyone to start purchasing their own Favorite Starbucks cup and using it for ever 😍 (No more plastics 🌱)

Is it really necessary? In contrast to Europe, where supermarkets and bakeries sell croissants in paper bags, croissants in the UAE are almost exclusively sold in bulky, oversized plastic boxes. It is disappointing that this practice is being adopted by supermarket chains that are also at the forefront of sustainability reporting. #sustainability #esg #csr #sdgs #circulareconomy #circularity #waste

📢 Exciting news! Aldi is shaking things up by changing the way it sells fruit in stores across the UK to reduce waste. Check out the latest updates on this sustainable move by Aldi in the article from GB News. Let's all support and promote these positive changes for a greener and more sustainable future. ♻️🍎🛒 #Aldi #sustainability #UKretail #GBNews https://ift.tt/ULx4sCX