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We know what a lot of you Pandas are like. You care about Mother Earth and its delicious bamboo groves, lush forests, and comfy nooks and crannies where you can nap. So you recycle. You also cycle to work instead of driving your Pandamobile. And you buy products that are more eco-friendly and use less plastic. Because every little step really does matter.

But let’s face it, if you’re like us, sometimes when you walk into a grocery store you might lose hope when you spot just how much unnecessary packaging is used to pack some food products. And by unnecessary packaging, we mean U n N e C e S s A r Y to the point that you feel all of your environmentally friendly actions suddenly mean very little when faced with systemic issues on an industrial scale.

We wanted to show you just how plastically insane things can get, so our bamboo-loving Bored Panda team hiked all through the internet wilds to bring you the most egregious examples of wasteful food packaging. Have a scroll down below, upvote the pics that made you want to throw your recycling bin at somebody, and let us know how you feel about all of this plastic waste in the comments.

#2

Hong Kong Supermarket Selling Individually Plastic Wrapped And Boxed Strawberry. For $21. One Strawberry

Hong Kong Supermarket Selling Individually Plastic Wrapped And Boxed Strawberry. For $21. One Strawberry

Ree81 Report

#3

Replacing The Egg Shell With More Plastic To Go Into The Ocean

Replacing The Egg Shell With More Plastic To Go Into The Ocean

ShinigamiDady Report

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Wilf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why??? What possible benefit is there to be gained by removing an egg from its shell???

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Setting aside the practical long-term economic and ecological worries that we have for our own survival, we have to realize that our attitudes toward our environment, plastic pollution, and consumption reflect who we are inside.

Not to sound too cheesy (don’t worry, it’s vegan), but the fight for a clean and healthy planet is also a fight for our very souls. We can either live wastefully, destroying everything around us for short-term pleasure and profit or we can choose to live with wisdom, respecting our role as a part of nature. Now, this certainly doesn’t mean living as ascetically as a monk would, but it doesn’t hurt to have a more minimalist outlook to counter the throwaway society that we live in.

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#4

Packaged Chopped Parsley

Packaged Chopped Parsley

urbanearthlovers Report

#5

Plastic Has To Removed From Every Single Mini Sausage Before Cooking

Plastic Has To Removed From Every Single Mini Sausage Before Cooking

UndocumentedTuesday Report

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Alonso Victoria
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know in other countries, but here in México that isn't plastic, is some sort of gelatin film completly edible, you can choose if you eat it or discard it.

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#6

If Only Oranges Came With Their Own Protective Packaging So We Didn't Have To Use Plastic

If Only Oranges Came With Their Own Protective Packaging So We Didn't Have To Use Plastic

c08306834 Report

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Candace Alagappan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FYI Those are mandarins... Not hating, just stating facts. Incredible post and caption though!

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Single-use plastics currently account for more than a third of all plastics produced each year. What’s more, 98 percent of single-use plastics are manufactured from fossil fuels. Tackling this issue, then, is a vital part of protecting our environment and our future. The BBC reports that an analysis of the business network behind plastic production found that a mere 20 companies are the source of more than half of all the single-use plastic items that are thrown away all over the world.

#7

Individually Wrapped Grapes In Japan

Individually Wrapped Grapes In Japan

momonomo99 Report

#8

Your Coke Needs That Plastic

Your Coke Needs That Plastic

Ui_Hirasawa Report

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Maul!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is outrageous! Coke production is harmful to the enjoyment and many water reservoirs already! Add plastic to it to ensure that it turns out to be a total disaster to all living beings. Painful 😣

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#9

The Three Layers Of Plastic Protection For These Oranges. How Is This Even Allowed?

The Three Layers Of Plastic Protection For These Oranges. How Is This Even Allowed?

j_fisher85 Report

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Coleonema
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is it that it seems that the most plastic used in packaging is in Japanese/Chinese markets? I've seen many examples of this and it makes no sense to me

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“Plastic bottles, food packages, and bags are among billions of items that are used once and then thrown away, often ending up in the oceans,” the BBC writes about the impact these companies, the largest producer of single-use plastic of which is ExxonMobil, have on the world.

#12

What Can You Even Make With 1 Tomato?? The Styrofoam Bedding

What Can You Even Make With 1 Tomato?? The Styrofoam Bedding

plasticobsessedjapan Report

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Shoddy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand the waste aspect here. But the title? Why do you have to make something with a tomato? Slice it up and put it on a sandwich.

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According to the research, conducted among others by the London School of Economics, part of the increase in single-use plastic waste is due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with protective and medical equipment having to be discarded for health and safety reasons.

#13

I Can’t Even Imagine How Much Plastic Waste Is Just Sitting In Landfills Because Of Pointless Things Like This

I Can’t Even Imagine How Much Plastic Waste Is Just Sitting In Landfills Because Of Pointless Things Like This

_johnfromtheblock_ Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you see the stickers on the potatoes? "Microwave ready". They are for bringing into work and bunging in the microwave with the plastic still on. Because if you're stuck with only a microwave, plastic wrapped potatoes apparently taste better when microwaved and not every workplace has cling wrap. Actually saves some plastic use with how some people trail cling wrap.

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#14

Pre Peeled Bananas In Plastic. There Is So Much Wrong With This!!

Pre Peeled Bananas In Plastic. There Is So Much Wrong With This!!

lillys_plastic_pickup Report

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Ste
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As soon as you peel a banana and expose it to air, it begins to turn brown. That's disgusting

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#15

Spraying Water Over Vegetables Wrapped In Plastic, Complete Waste

Spraying Water Over Vegetables Wrapped In Plastic, Complete Waste

ChiefChair Report

The United Kingdom is in fourth place in its plastic consumption, with each citizen generating over 40 kilograms of single-use plastic waste per year. Australia is in first place, meanwhile, the United States stands in second place.

#16

Looks Like Some People Are Still Grapeling With Their New Year's Resolutions

Looks Like Some People Are Still Grapeling With Their New Year's Resolutions

pointless_packaging Report

#17

Harry & David Strawberries

Harry & David Strawberries

socialcookingclub.niti Report

#18

Wouldn't It Be Nice If Fruit Like Bananas Had Their Own Natural Packaging To Help Reduce Plastic Pollution?

Wouldn't It Be Nice If Fruit Like Bananas Had Their Own Natural Packaging To Help Reduce Plastic Pollution?

jimmmUK Report

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denzoren
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Banana releases ethylene...which speeds up ripening. Putting it in a bag just makes it worse.

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Essentially, what the report showed is that the future of the plastic waste crisis lies in the hands of a handful of companies. Therefore change that affects our environment on a global scale ought to start from there.

#19

This Is Some Next Level Laziness

This Is Some Next Level Laziness

goldfishstick Report

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Frances M
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For people with arthritis in their hands but who still want to enjoy oranges...

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#20

My Wife Wanted Peeled Garlic. They Peeled, Then Individually Wrapped Them

My Wife Wanted Peeled Garlic. They Peeled, Then Individually Wrapped Them

kuahara Report

#21

A Packaged Lemon, With The Slogan "Waste Less, Enjoy More"

A Packaged Lemon, With The Slogan "Waste Less, Enjoy More"

ReminiscentSnake Report

“It's an extraordinary point of leverage for regulators, for finance institutions, to influence them in order that rather than producing from fossil fuels, they produce plastic that's recycled,” said Dominic Charles, the Minderoo Foundation’s director of finance and transparency. The Minderoo Foundation published the research findings.

"We need to go after the tap, to turn off the tap of fossil fuel plastics and we need to create plastics from recycled material,” Charles from the Minderoo Foundation said.

#22

My Hellofresh Meal Kit Came With 4 Individually Bagged Carrots And A Bagged Slice Of Bread

My Hellofresh Meal Kit Came With 4 Individually Bagged Carrots And A Bagged Slice Of Bread

mrFLONK Report

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N G
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is HelloFresh different in other countries then? My HelloFresh comes in so little plastic packaging I've occasionally lost the single garlic clove they sent until I tip the entire box upside down and it's under one of the ice bags!

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In short, there’s a need to put a stop to the production of single-use plastics from non-recyclable materials, in order to counteract the report’s grim prognosis: within the next 5 years, plastic production is set to expand by a whopping 30 percent.

#25

If Only Bananas Had Robust, Natural, Bio-Degradable Packaging Of Their Own. Some Sort Of Peelable Skin, Perhaps

If Only Bananas Had Robust, Natural, Bio-Degradable Packaging Of Their Own. Some Sort Of Peelable Skin, Perhaps

thenamenononehas Report

#26

It's Getting Hot In Here, So Take Off All Your Cloves

It's Getting Hot In Here, So Take Off All Your Cloves

pointless_packaging Report

#27

The Most Ridiculous Part About Living In Japan: Plastic Everywhere!

The Most Ridiculous Part About Living In Japan: Plastic Everywhere!

thesimpleenvironmentalist Report

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Jane S.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm starting to feel better about my own country. We still use too much plastic, but at least we don't do this.

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#28

Individually Wrapped Gummy Bears

Individually Wrapped Gummy Bears

OniTale Report

#29

These Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic

These Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic

averhaegen Report

#30

Individually Wrapped Peppers That Are Used For Salad And Pre Cut Into 1/4s Just To Have To Be Cut Again Into Smaller Pieces

Individually Wrapped Peppers That Are Used For Salad And Pre Cut Into 1/4s Just To Have To Be Cut Again Into Smaller Pieces

6packobeer Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know as a society we are becoming more and more time poor but this is just ridiculous.

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#31

A Coconut Wrapped In Non Recyclable Plastic Packaging. Wtf! A Coconut Is Already Packaged. Shame On Tesco UK

A Coconut Wrapped In Non Recyclable Plastic Packaging. Wtf! A Coconut Is Already Packaged. Shame On Tesco UK

S2Pac Report

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denzoren
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from the Caribbean. If you did this here...you would be the laughing stock of the island.

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#33

Just A Single Egg In A Plastic Cage

Just A Single Egg In A Plastic Cage

plasticobsessedjapan Report

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Daria B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is already cooked, though. It's not meant for groceries, but for a quick snack.

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#34

Finally A Way To Buy Apples And Add Plastic To Landfills And Oceans

Finally A Way To Buy Apples And Add Plastic To Landfills And Oceans

fjbruzr Report

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denzoren
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like a tennis ball factory closed and someone bought the overstock of storage containers.

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#35

Wrapping Individual Vegetables In Plastic! Actually Extremely Infuriating

Wrapping Individual Vegetables In Plastic! Actually Extremely Infuriating

BitFlow7 Report

#36

Tell Me Jamaica Ain't Serious Lmfao

Tell Me Jamaica Ain't Serious Lmfao

Brian_ThaLion Report

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Francis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those wondering the price, i just googled: as for today(!) 158.20 Jamaican dollar are around 1.05 US dollar

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#38

Wtf Is The Point Of Wrapping Potatoes In Plastic! Please Just Buy The Ones Right Next To These Not In Plastic

Wtf Is The Point Of Wrapping Potatoes In Plastic! Please Just Buy The Ones Right Next To These Not In Plastic

misspixiewitch Report

#39

Peeled, Packaged And Even Comes With Its Own Forks

Peeled, Packaged And Even Comes With Its Own Forks

pointless_packaging Report

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#40

When Orange Peel Is Replaced With Plastic

When Orange Peel Is Replaced With Plastic

deamills94 Report

#41

Cauliflower And Broccoli Nested On A Single Use Plastic Tray Wrapped In Pointless Plastic Wrap

Cauliflower And Broccoli Nested On A Single Use Plastic Tray Wrapped In Pointless Plastic Wrap

giorgialbi Report

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James016
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right there front and centre it says the film is not recycled.

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#42

How Extra Do You Need To Be To Buy Individual Shallot And Garlic Bulbs In Boxes Instead Of Loose?

How Extra Do You Need To Be To Buy Individual Shallot And Garlic Bulbs In Boxes Instead Of Loose?

itsfelyn Report

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#43

Destroying The Planet One Apple At A Time

Destroying The Planet One Apple At A Time

mattyfatty1 Report

#44

These Individually Wrapped 3-Inch Slices Of Watermelon

These Individually Wrapped 3-Inch Slices Of Watermelon

climbingup_thewalls Report

#45

This Useless Packaging / Waste Of Plastic

This Useless Packaging / Waste Of Plastic

ClamScience Report

#46

What A Waste

What A Waste

urbanearthlovers Report

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Candace Alagappan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, if only banana's came with their own packaging so that a poor turtle had to die...

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#47

The Way My School Packages Chips

The Way My School Packages Chips

scratchyjoshy Report

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#48

The Amount Of Plastic Mcdonalds Uses For Two Pieces Of Bacon

The Amount Of Plastic Mcdonalds Uses For Two Pieces Of Bacon

mom0367 Report

#49

Chipotle Now Waste More Plastic To Package Their Lemons

Chipotle Now Waste More Plastic To Package Their Lemons

msorensic Report

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Raccoon Queen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t blame them if it was for takeout tbh, though they could have at least used cardboard

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#50

Wasteful Packaging At Walmart

Wasteful Packaging At Walmart

jadedtortoise Report

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denzoren
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like how many of these have "organic" but also contributing to plastic waste.

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#51

The Way This Company Wastes Plastic By Individually Packing Cheese

The Way This Company Wastes Plastic By Individually Packing Cheese

-_mo_- Report

#52

This Is Absolutely Utterly Unnecessary! That’s Pure Waste! What’s Wrong With A Cardboard Box!? A Paper Bag!?

This Is Absolutely Utterly Unnecessary! That’s Pure Waste! What’s Wrong With A Cardboard Box!? A Paper Bag!?

2minbeachclean Report

#53

Woolworths: “We’re Going Plastic Bag Free!” - Also Woolworths

Woolworths: “We’re Going Plastic Bag Free!” - Also Woolworths

reddit.com Report

#54

Vegetable Packaging Is Getting Out Of Hand

Vegetable Packaging Is Getting Out Of Hand

Dyslexicglove Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are ready to eat on the go snacks, to put in a handbag when you're out so they aren't rolling around and mashing into your phone. Like the baggies even say that.

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#56

Plastic Doesn’t Get Much More Pointless Than This

Plastic Doesn’t Get Much More Pointless Than This

dont_plasticipate Report

#57

Plastic Might Sometimes Be The Best Packaging Option But M&s Could At Least Fillet

Plastic Might Sometimes Be The Best Packaging Option But M&s Could At Least Fillet

pointless_packaging Report

#58

Who Wants Their Peaches Wrapped In Wasteful Plastic So You Can’t Tell If They Are Ripe Or Not?

Who Wants Their Peaches Wrapped In Wasteful Plastic So You Can’t Tell If They Are Ripe Or Not?

drKRB Report

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Smutná_elfka
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I sort of understand it. They bruise very easily, if you protect them by a packaging they are gonna last longer.

#59

If Only This Mango Had Some Sort Of Natural Packaging

If Only This Mango Had Some Sort Of Natural Packaging

whats_a_potato Report

#60

Well This Packaging Is Pointless

Well This Packaging Is Pointless

Beatlemaniac9 Report

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Eslamala
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually it isn't. Onions and garlic are best stored hanging and inside mesh. It keeps the humidity/heat balanced and they last longer.

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#61

Why? Why Is This Necessary For Garlic?

Why? Why Is This Necessary For Garlic?

hinkle311 Report

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Candace Alagappan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm kinda crying rn. So much waste of plastic and lack of either knowledge or care of the environment.

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#62

Carrefour Italia More Than Halving Their Passion For The Environment

Carrefour Italia More Than Halving Their Passion For The Environment

pointless_packaging Report

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Kines Tezja
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can SOMEHOW understand peeled orange (although it's still unnecessary). But this? Thanks for cutting my fruit in half, I saved sooo much time.

#63

Can’t Be Lemongrassed With This

Can’t Be Lemongrassed With This

pointless_packaging Report

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#64

Thick Plastic Bag For A Quartered Watermelon. For Convenience

Thick Plastic Bag For A Quartered Watermelon. For Convenience

oreece29 Report

#65

Plasticomania - Apples Packaging

Plasticomania - Apples Packaging

AndBobIsYourUncle Report

#66

Not The Sort Of Limelight Costcutter Are After But They Can Have It Anyway

Not The Sort Of Limelight Costcutter Are After But They Can Have It Anyway

pointless_packaging Report

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#67

M&s What Do You Have To Say About This Product? It Doesn’t Really Fit In With You Plastic Reduction Policy Does It?

M&s What Do You Have To Say About This Product? It Doesn’t Really Fit In With You Plastic Reduction Policy Does It?

sustainablenantwich Report

#68

Too Bad Corn Doesn't Come In Some Sort Of Biodegradable Packaging

Too Bad Corn Doesn't Come In Some Sort Of Biodegradable Packaging

Sue204 Report

#69

Hmm It Seems Mindful Chef UK Are Eggnoring The Climate Crisis

Hmm It Seems Mindful Chef UK Are Eggnoring The Climate Crisis

pointless_packaging Report

#70

Are We Happy There Is A Healthy Choice On Offer, Or Is This A Waste Of Plastic?

Are We Happy There Is A Healthy Choice On Offer, Or Is This A Waste Of Plastic?

pointless_packaging Report

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