Supermarket Scams

For some time now I have had issues with claims made by supermarkets that at face value look like they are trying to be very environmentally friendly.  For my first post on the subject I will select just a few key points.

One of the big issues today is single use plastic carrier bags.  I agree that we need to cut down on these because they not only provide a significant problem when it comes to disposal, although many biodegrade very effectively, but also in the resources they take to make and distribute.

The supermarkets therefore say that they will help reduce the number of bags used by charging per bag.  The number of bags used has gone down, but how much is due to this charge is unclear.  However the supermarket's profits have now gone up.

Take a look at the maths.  Previously the supermarket issued a large number of bags at no cost.  Therefore they bore the expense of production, storage and distribution.  Now they charge the customer and take these expenses out of what they charge, donating any excess to charity in some cases.  Given that the expense of a bag will be rather less than the 5 - 10p  or so typically charged, they have cut their overheads significantly.  Does the consumer benefit - what do you think?

Another issue, and only trumpetted by one major supermarket, is the streamlining of trailers to save fuel, reduce emissions and so help the environment.  Again they fail to mention that in saving fuel they reduce their costs and so increase the bottom line profits.  True, they have to buy the new trailers but transport fleets are continually renewing their trailers so this is not a case of making a massive change to the fleet, but simply choosing a different trailer when making a replacement.

It is interesting that a number of hauliers are introducing these new trailers - only one company seems to be making a big thing of it.  I will return to some of their other claims in future posts.

Big claims then about how wonderfull they are, not a word about how this increases their profits.  No need to wonder why that is!