In recent years, the government has been actively promoting environmental policies, such as setting up recycling points in various districts and implementing plastic reduction measures. However, many daily products are still packaged in plastic containers, making it challenging for consumers to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle. To help reduce waste at the source, the Consumer Council compared the prices, packaging, and other aspects of 125 daily products in their original and refill packaging at three chain supermarkets. Surprisingly, they found that nearly 25% of the refill products were more expensive than buying the original packaging separately. Additionally, the Consumer Council also examined 12 stores where consumers can purchase products without packaging or in refillable containers, focusing on four categories of daily products: hand or body wash, shampoo or conditioner, household cleaning products, and laundry detergent. They discovered that some products lacked ingredient and expiration date information.
The comparison conducted by the Consumer Council revealed that nearly 25% of refill products were priced higher than their original counterparts. For example, the „Quickle Toilet Disinfectant Wipes 10 pieces“ sold at Wellcome’s online store had a refill price of $1.19, which was more expensive than the original price of $1.87 by over 30%. Similarly, the refill version of „Ariel Antibacterial Laundry Detergent“ at AEON Stores was 22% more expensive than the original due to a special promotion on the original product. This trend was also observed in other products, indicating that consumers need to be cautious when opting for refill packaging.
While refill packaging may be more environmentally friendly and reduce carbon emissions during transportation, the Consumer Council found that most products did not clearly indicate the materials used in their packaging. This lack of information could hinder recycling efforts. The Council recommended that manufacturers improve transparency regarding packaging materials to facilitate recycling.
In addition to the comparison of refill products, the Consumer Council also investigated stores that offer packaging-free or refillable products. They found that while most stores provided basic information such as product names and brands, detailed ingredient and expiration date information was often lacking. This could lead to consumers purchasing products that may not meet their needs, resulting in wastage. The Council advised these stores to enhance the display of product information both in-store and online to help consumers make informed decisions.
To help consumers make more environmentally friendly choices when purchasing daily products, the Consumer Council provided some eco-friendly shopping tips:
– Opt for refill packaging or visit packaging-free stores to reduce unnecessary waste.
– Consider innovative product designs such as concentrated cleaning liquids or dry refill tablets that can be diluted with water, reducing packaging materials and carbon emissions.
– Choose environmentally friendly formulas for cleaning and personal care products, such as those with biodegradable ingredients to minimize environmental impact.
– Use reusable containers to purchase bulk products and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried before reuse.
– Consider natural substances like vinegar and baking soda for cleaning purposes to reduce reliance on chemical products.
By following these tips and being mindful of their purchasing decisions, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Stay informed about the latest trends and shopping information by following Yahoo Style on Facebook and Instagram. For more shopping deals and tips, visit the Yahoo Shopping page.