[glial]

That's a narrow perspective - the root case is the broader expectations about packaging, from both producers and consumers. Lots of food comes wrapped in single-use plastic, too. It's one way to keep food shelf-stable. We need alternative packaging (or package re-use), since can't stop buying food.

[iguy]

There's no zero-cost way to have food, and it seems important to look at the total, not just packaging.

If (as I seem to remember for cucumbers) the un-wrapped version means significantly higher waste, then the film (which is completely single-use petrochemical) has to be balanced agains the farming and transport (also lots of single-use petro-products!) of the wasted ones.

[aviv]

I would argue most of what you are referring to as "food" is not and should not be considered food for humans though.

[barbecue_sauce]

This is a rather elitist perspective.

[aviv]

Eating fruits and vegetables that can easily be composted is elitist? News to me.

[barbecue_sauce]

Ever heard of a food desert?

[aviv]

Give me a break. First address the atrosious food consumption habits within the 94% of US population who do not live in so called food deserts before it can be used to justify the behavior of the vast majority.

[barbecue_sauce]

Poverty? Marketing?

[ersii]

I had not and your comment was not helpful in explaining the term either.

According to Wikipedia (if anyone cares..): "A food desert is an area, especially one with low-income residents, that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food. In contrast, an area with supermarkets or vegetable shops is a food oasis. The designation considers the type and quality of food available to the population, in addition to the number, nature, and size of food stores that are accessible. Food deserts are characterized by a lack of supermarkets which decreases residents' access to fruits, vegetables and other whole foods."

[icebraining]

Fruits and vegetables are often packed in plastic as well.

[ciceryadam]

Isn't single-use plastic what's rice/pasta/legumes packaged in, most of the time?