This one’s hard to grasp. Del Monte has decided (probably after lots of focus groups??) to sell individually wrapped bananas. To clarify: they are going to add a layer of plastic wrap to a fruit that comes with its own natural, biodegradable packaging.
According to Del Monte, the clear pouches are said to contain “controlled ripening technology,” that will extend the shelf-life of the fruit by several days. Oh yummy-“controlled ripening technology” sounds delicious. And what exactly is this technology leaching into my banana?
Del Monte’s U.K. managing director James Harvey [told the Fresh Produce Journal] … “Del Monte’s new CRT packaging is designed to provide significant carbon footprint savings by reducing the frequency of deliveries and the amount of waste going to landfill. The packaging is also recyclable.” REALLY? This rationale is BANANAS.
Jon Stewart has added this overly packaged banana to his “Pantry of Shame”. He said Del Monte single-serve bananas are for people who love bananas but hate their biodegradability.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Intro – Pantry of Shame | ||||
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There is another side
Possibly people who would normally grab an overly packaged donut or candy bar will be more apt to buy an over-wrapped banana at a convenience store or gas station? Naaah- I’m not buying this argument. What do you think?
Is this really an environmentally friendly move by Del Monte?
Thanks to my husband, Joel, for religiously watching Jon Stewart and passing along the heads up on the “pantry of shame” and the banana craziness.
Source:
[Photo used under Creative Commons from Jason Gulledge/Flickr]
For shame, Del Monte, for shame!
I don’t buy bananas very often because I’m trying to limit my intake of food that needs to be imported from far away. When I do, I buy organic… which in the case of bananas still means I’m supporting Del Monte, and to make matters worse, each bunch comes wrapped in plastic. Do they think we might mistake the non-organic and organic varieties? Is the plastic necessary because the little fruit stickers can be overlooked? Who knows…
Pure insanity! I’d love to know what genius thought of this idea. And recyclable plastic wrap!? Not in normal curbside bins here in the US. Maybe grocery store plastic bag bins, but how many people use those.
Excellent coverage of the ridiculousness. Although it does make one pause: how much energy is being wasted transporting and keeping those bananas ripe WITHOUT plastic? Maybe I’m eating too many bananas (not exactly a local food. . .)
That might just be the most appalling thing I’ve heard all week. Bananas are on my all-but-taboo list for so many reasons — including the fact that I don’t really like the taste — that an extra layer of plastic would make me swear off them for life.
You don’t like bananas? I love them! That added layer of plastic is pushing me over to the do-no-eat side. Crazy stuff!
Thanks Betsy! Hard to believe but, as you pointed out, there really is another side to this plastic wrap issue. I think I need to cut down on my banana consumption too-they travel far to reach us.
No kidding-it really is insane. Can you imagine the group of people who came up with this brilliant idea sitting around a table and having an “aha moment” when someone mentioned wrapping bananas individually in plastic. Ah to be a fly on that wall! What are they talking about-recyclable plastic wrap??
Hi Andrea-I never really understood why my bunch of bananas was wrapped in plastic either. I rip it off the minute I get home. This whole scene is pushing me away from buying bananas (we eat a lot of them over here). Too bad a banana tree won’t grow in my yard.
That Jon Stewart quote was hilarious!! Love it!
That man is always hilarious! Do you watch The Daily Show? Great way to get the latest news 🙂
Pul-leease! I cannot believe that! I buy banana’s only about once per month now, since I am trying to eat more local. Bananas wrapped in plastic – no way!!
Where do you end up buying your produce Sherry? We end up buying a lot of bananas since they are easy to grab and have a quick snack. Great job trying to eat local-fresh, local produce can’t be beat. Bananas in plastic are not welcome in our house-EVER!!