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Secondary School - Education Activity 1

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Activity 1 - Supermarket Plastic Packaging Survey

Objectives
  • Find out about excessive plastic packaging in the retail sector
  • Learn about the environmental problems of excessive plastic packaging
  • Reflect on the necessity of plastic packaging
  • Reflect on the relation between consumerism and the environment
Reference and Resources
Content / Steps
  1. Divide students into groups and ask each group to conduct a plastic packaging survey at a supermarket that sells vegetables and fruits near school or their homes.  
  2. Use Supermarket Plastic Packaging Survey datasheet to record plastic packaging of vegetables and fruits on the shelves.
  3. Interview at least three customers at the product section for their opinions about packaging. (Refer to Supermarket Plastic Packaging Interview and Discussion for ideas )
  4. Make use of Supermarket Plastic Packaging Interview and Discussion for group discussion: write a letter to the supermarket to share survey results, express concerns about overpackaging and recommend waste reduction measures.
  5. Deliver speech to the class about the letter in turn
Further Discussion / Activity
  • Email the letter to relevant supermarket chain. Would it get any reply?
Teaching Tips
  • Avoid inconveniencing customers by having more than one group in a supermarket doing the survey simultaneously

Supermarket Plastic Packaging Survey

Education Activity–Secondary School：Supermarket Plastic Packaging Survey
Group:
Student Name：
Supermarket Address:
Survey Date:
Survey Time:

to

1. Packaging Record

Inspect plastic packaging of vegetables and fruits on the shelves. Take photos and count the type and quantity of packaging materials*.

*Each disassembled piece of packaging materials is counted as one.

Fruit Foam Nets: 5 pieces
Clear Plastic Box: 1 piece
Tray: 1 piece
Plastic Tape: 1 piece  

Total Packaging Materials:
8 pieces

Fruits

Vegetables

Supermarket Plastic Packaging Interview and Discussion

Education Activity–Secondary School：Supermarket Plastic Packaging Survey
Group:
Student Name:

1. Interview

Suggestion of subject matter / talking points

  • Did you pay attention to plastic packaging of vegetables and fruits?
  • Do you think these packaging are necessary?
  • In your opinion, what kinds of packaging can be reduced?
  • Would you still buy the same products without plastic packaging?
  • Would you like the supermarkets to cut down on plastic packaging?
  • Would it encourage you to buy there if the supermarket prioritises environmental protection and cuts down on plastic packaging?

2. Discussion

Suggestion of subject matter／talking points

  • Is all the plastic packaging necessary? Any of them can be avoided?
  • Is the problem of over-packaging serious?
  • Is plastic packaging the only solution?
  • What are the public’s opinions of excessive plastic packaging?
  • Why does the retail sector prefer over-packaging in their sales model?
  • What environmental costs will society pay for the excessive use of plastic packaging?
  • How to effectively improve the situation of excessive plastic packaging? Is it the environmental responsibility of the shops? Should the power of customer choice be mobilised? Should the government regulate with legislation?

3. Write to the supermarket

Write to the relevant supermarket chain to express your concerns about excessive plastic packaging based on the results of your Supermarket Plastic Packaging Survey and offer waste reduction suggestions to cut down on plastic packaging.

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