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Time of India
30-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New study says stop wrapping fruits and vegetables in plastic
Still using cling film or plastic wraps to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh? You might want to stop. Turns out, that 'preservation trick' is not only outdated it's actually making things worse. A new study reveals that plastic packaging doesn't extend freshness, and can even lead to faster spoilage, more waste, and long-term health risks. Whether you store produce in the fridge or on the counter, how you pack it plays a bigger role than you think. Here's what the science says, and what you should be doing instead. What the study found: Plastic means more waste, not less A major study by the UK-based Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) looked at how we store five common fruits and veggies: apples, bananas, broccoli, cucumbers, and potatoes. Over 18 months, they tested how different packaging methods and temperatures affected shelf life and food waste. Key findings from WRAP's official report : Plastic-wrapped produce did not stay fresher longer than loose produce Consumers were more likely to overbuy and throw out food sold in plastic "Best before" labels often confused people, leading to premature disposal Selling fruits and vegetables loose could save 100,000 tonnes of food and 10,300 tonnes of plastic per year in the UK alone WRAP's researchers concluded that ditching unnecessary plastic could actually slow spoilage, especially when paired with proper refrigeration and smarter labeling. The microplastic problem in plastic Still not convinced? Here's the kicker: microplastics are now being found inside fruits and vegetables. Research shows these particles enter through soil, water, and even packaging. A 2020 study published in Environmental Research revealed that plastic particles can be absorbed through plant roots and end up inside edible tissue. Another study titled A Critical Review on Microplastics in Edible Fruits and Vegetables warned that long-term exposure to plasticizers like phthalates and DEHA, often used in cling wrap, could disrupt hormones and impact reproductive health. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hiranandani Fortune City: At Panvel, Mumbai: 2BHK: 1.05 Cr* Hiranandani Fortune City Enquire Now Undo So not only is the plastic wrap useless, it might also be sneaking harmful chemicals into your food. What you should do instead of using plastic Store produce loose or in breathable containers Skip the cling film. Use mesh bags, paper bags, or reusable cotton wraps. For the fridge, try breathable containers with air vents or loose lids to avoid trapping moisture. Use glass or silicone alternatives For chopped fruits or half-cut veggies, store them in glass boxes with airtight lids or beeswax wraps. These don't leach chemicals and keep food fresh longer . Don't over-wash before storing Moisture speeds up spoilage. Only rinse right before use, unless you're drying everything thoroughly first. Control ethylene Some fruits (like apples, bananas, and tomatoes) release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Keep them away from sensitive items like leafy greens or cucumbers. Quick comparison: Plastic vs smart storage Method Pros Cons Plastic wrap Easy to use, widely available Traps moisture, creates waste, doesn't extend freshness Glass containers Airtight, reusable, non-toxic Heavier, more expensive upfront Cotton/mesh bags Breathable, eco-friendly Can dry out produce if not monitored properly Beeswax wraps Natural, reusable, mouldable to shape Not suitable for wet or hot foods The WRAP study confirms what eco-conscious experts have warned for years: plastic wrap doesn't keep produce fresh and it might be making your food worse. From food waste to hidden toxins, there's no real win here. So next time you bring home your fruits and veggies, ditch the plastic. Store smart, eat fresh, and help reduce waste, one reusable bag at a time. Also read| 8 everyday breakfast habits that spike your insulin without you realising
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Householders urged to put ripped up teabags in garden this summer
Tea bags can be repurposed to benefit plants and flowers. In Britain, around 100 million cups of tea are drunk every day. For every brew made, comes a used tea bag. The majority of householders will typically throw out the used bag, however, experts are now urging householders to put them to good use. Instead of tossing it away, people should rip the bag open and scatter the contents in their gardens compost to help plants thrive. The common item can be repurposed to benefit plants and flowers, helping to reduce waste. Composting is a hugely beneficial thing to do for your garden all year round. It's an ideal way to turn your kitchen scraps like potato peel, carrot off-cuts and banana peel into rich, nutritious compost that will boost your plants. You can start a compost pile anywhere in your garden with a simple plastic bin, although more expensive and more sophisticated options are available, including wooden composters, multi-opening 'hot bins' and various other elegant solutions. On a budget, though, a simple plastic box or an old bin with a lid will do if you just add some air-holes for the plant bacteria to use to break down. But people adding teabags into their compost have been told you must tear open the bags first and pour the raw tea leaves in directly, reports the Express. Many supermarket brands use this in their teabags, which means they will never break down in your compost, leaving a plastic residue behind which will also contaminate your compost with leached plastic chemicals. Even plant-based teabags, such as those used by Yorkshire Tea, should be cut open, and the bag disposed of separately, not in the compost bin. Yorkshire Tea says: "PLA tea bags are sometimes called 'plastic free', but we've never used that label and WRAP, the people behind the UK Plastics Pact, also advise against it because plant-based plastics are still plastics. "You can snip open your used tea bags, compost the tea inside at home, and put the bag itself in your refuse bin. If you don't want to do that, the alternative is to put your tea bag in your refuse bin." Consumer advice magazine Which? explains: "Tea bags have traditionally been sealed with a plastic called polypropylene, which enables their edges to be heat sealed and stop them falling apart in hot water. Small amounts were used, but it prevented them being composted and, due to the enormous amount of tea bags used in the UK, it generated a large amount of plastic waste. "The advice from the UK Tea & Infusions Association is to rip open the bags before placing the used tea leaves on your compost heap and dispose of the teabag paper separately in your bin where it will go into landfill." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Bananas stay fresh and won't brown 'for months' if stored away from fruit bowl
There's a simple trick to stop them rotting and keep them fresh for up to three months Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse but often end up going bad before we can enjoy them. However, savvy savers have discovered a nifty trick to extend their shelf life up to an impressive three months. In these times of soaring food prices and tightening budgets, this handy technique could be a game-changer in reducing your grocery bills and the frequency of market runs. It's also a great way to support WRAP's (The Waste and Resources Action Programme) efforts to combat food waste through their Love Food Hate Waste campaign. They recommend freezing bananas in a sealed bag or airtight container to prevent them from spoiling for up to three months, , as highlighted by the Express. So next time your bananas start to get spotty and soft, don't toss them out – peel then pop them in the freezer instead. Once frozen, these bananas are perfect for whipping up smoothies, baking banana bread, or creating a deliciously healthy ice cream alternative. For another delightful dessert, bake frozen bananas drizzled with honey in the oven – it's a heartwarming treat that'll leave you feeling cosy. If you fancy something more unusual, why not add bananas to a vegetable curry or mash them up as a sandwich spread? Remember, when it comes to defrosting, do it safely in the fridge rather than at room temperature to keep them safe for eating. WRAP advises: "Bananas can be frozen in a sealed bag or container for up to three months." They also stress the importance of safe defrosting practices, noting that once removed from the freezer, "it's important to defrost it safely". For best results, WRAP suggests defrosting the banana in the fridge and using it "within 24 hours". Pressed for time and need to thaw bananas quickly? Just pop them into the microwave on the "defrost setting" for a swift solution. If you prefer not to freeze your bananas, then keep them "somewhere nice and cool, in a cupboard or on the side" to maintain their freshness. And unless you're trying to brown them quickly, never store bananas in the fridge.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why supermarkets are being urged to change how they sell potatoes
Selling vegetables such as baking potatoes and apples in unwanted plastic multipacks is wasting enough food to fill Wembley Stadium around eight times over every year. This means Britons are spending £17bn on food that is thrown away (an average of £1,000 a year for a typical household). The scale of waste has lead to calls for wholesale changes in food packaging. According to a new report by campaign group WRAP, food waste slightly declined between 2021 and 2022 – but that was mainly due to temporary factors such as the end of COVID restrictions leading to more people eating out, and the cost of living crisis causing food prices to spike. Read more: The plastic bag tax started 10 years ago to stop pollution. But is it actually working? Nonetheless, 4.4 million tonnes of edible food was wasted, equivalent to 470,000 bin lorries or 3,500 Olympic sized swimming pools. And WRAP says that changing the way supermarkets sell food could make an enormous difference to how much we throw away. "Selling items loose could save 100,000 tonnes of fruit and avoid 13,000 tonnes of single use plastic film," Estelle Herszenhorn, head of food system transformation at WRAP, said. 'Around 40% of wasted food in the home is because it isn't used in time, so enabling people to buy closer to their needs and equipping them with good storage information is key. 'Changes like reviewing dairy products like milk and yogurt to change from use by to best before dates – wherever possible – and offering smaller format bread at comparable prices could all help us avoid common food waste at home.' In 2022, local authorities spent around £500m disposing of food waste that was not properly placed in special food bins, but instead thrown away in normal black bins. As a result, 83% of food waste in our rubbish bins was incinerated or sent to landfill. WRAP has called for specific items that are commonly sold in multipacks to be phased out and sold loose instead. Read more: Drinking water map shows where toxic 'forever chemicals' are found in the UK Plastic wrapping and trays (which contain multiple vegetables, rather than one) mean that people over-buy food such as potatoes, which then go to waste. Bananas, apples, broccoli and cucumbers are also among five of the most commonly wasted foods, according to WRAP. Every day in the UK, households waste 1,300 tonnes of potatoes, which is equivalent to 8.2 million potatoes, along with 130 tonnes of bananas (equivalent to 1.1 million bananas) and 90 tonnes of apples (equivalent to 1.3 million apples). If sold loose, these could prevent 100,000 tonnes of food waste in the UK and remove 10,300 tonnes of plastic packaging. Supermarkets have taken steps to reduce plastic packaging, including on fruit and vegetables, but argue that plastic packaging helps to preserve food and prevent waste in-store. Using film to wrap a cucumber extends its life in-store from three days to 14 days, and packaging grapes in plastic boxes cuts in-store wastage by 20%. Read more: Is it cheaper to run an electric vehicle or a petrol car? "Packaging plays an important role, acting as a safety barrier against contamination and increasing the shelf life of many food products, reducing food waste," Naomi Brandon-Bravo, sustainability adviser at the British Retail Consortium, told Yahoo News. "Retailers are committed to reducing unnecessary and single-use plastic packaging, and have worked together across the UK to eliminate problem plastics and increase recycling, as demonstrated in the Plastics Pact, an initiative endorsed by the four UK governments." Pact members aim to eliminate problem plastics and also reduce the total amount of plastic packaging on shelves.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Potatoes won't sprout and will 'last the longest' time if kept in one place
Storing potatoes here can significantly increase their shelf life, say experts The humble potato is a staple in households across the country thanks to their ability to be turned into a side dish in many different forms. Chip, boil, roast or mash them, they are a great, cheap and filling accompaniment to a meal. But how often have you reached into the cupboard to find they have sprouted, turned green or are soft and even wrinkly? Proper storage of the versatile tattie is essential if you want to extend their shelf life. Although sold in the non-refrigerated section in the supermarkets, spuds are generally kept in cool, dark drawers or cupboards but research has shown that they can actually be stored in the fridge. In fact, keeping them in the cold can make them edible for six months more. According to experts at Love Food Hate Waste, UK homes throw away nearly half a million tonnes of fresh vegetables and salads, as well as a quarter of a million tonnes of fresh fruit each year. This means a massive £2.1billion worth of produce thrown away simply because it isn't consumed in time. Historically, potatoes have been kept out of the fridge due to concerns about increased levels of acrylamide, a substance that forms in starchy foods and can potentially increase the risk of cancer, reports the Express. However, a comprehensive scientific study showed storing potatoes in the fridge "doesn't actually increase acrylamide potential" compared to the usual method of storing them at room temperature in a cupboard. This research on potato storage was overseen by the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products, and the Environment (COT) and reviewed by the FSA, so you can trust its findings. As a way to combat food waste, savvy consumers have been told to pay close attention to the Best Before dates and labelling on their potato products. And the organisation WRAP, behind the Love Food Hate Waste initiative, has shared startling findings from an investigation into the reliability of best-before dates and their part in causing needless food waste. WRAP's study points to evidence suggesting best-before dates may not be the best way to assess edibility, with items lasting appreciably longer if stored correctly "when they last much longer". Take potatoes as an example - when kept unrefrigerated in a kitchen cupboard, they are purportedly at their peak for 10 days as per packet instructions. However, it was only after 14 days that signs of deterioration could truly be observed. Even more astonishing is the revelation that when potatoes were refrigerated at four degrees, despite packaging advice of a mere 10-day shelf life, they remained in prime condition for well over twenty days past the best-before mark. By bypassing the use of best-before dates, the trial displayed that potatoes could survive even longer periods at room temperature and when stored coolly. Experts recommend the refrigerator as the "right place" for potato storage to maximise longevity "they'll last the longest". Under optimal storage conditions like a cool, dark space, potatoes can stay good to eat for a number of months. If refrigerated, this timeline may stretch up to three times as long, potentially exceeding six months. If you're aiming to extend the life of your spuds, it's recommended to take them out of any plastic packaging and pop them into a fabric bag. This method blocks light and lets the tatties breathe. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
