Photo shows why woman had to ditch Lite n' Easy meals
A woman said she’s decided to ditch Lite n’ Easy meals due to the plastic packaging.
The Sydney resident told Yahoo News Australia she recently took up the meals to lose weight.
“I decided to try it this week to kick start weight loss, but have been shocked at the amount of plastic packaging,” she said.
“On this basis I can't continue.”
She included a picture of what she claims is a single breakfast meal’s packaging.
The woman is not alone either.
A number of people on Facebook have also asked Lite n’ Easy about its use of plastic.
“I really enjoy the benefits of Lite n’ Easy however I would like to know what is being done to reduce the plastic waste in the absolutely ridiculous amount of packaging for the meals,” she wrote.
“As a country we are looking to help our environment by reducing waste and personally I am doing all I can.”
Another woman wrote she would be happy to pay more for “a more eco-friendly option”.
In a response to comments, Lite ‘n Easy wrote “providing portion controlled, nutritionally balanced meals and meal plans requires a certain amount of individual packaging to ensure each item is kept fresh and safe for consumption”.
“One of the positives of supplying single serve meals and snacks, is that it dramatically reduces the food waste which most households throw away each week (some reports have shown that more than 30% of food purchased by Australians ends up in landfill),” Lite n’ Easy wrote.
“Nevertheless, we are continually reviewing our packaging options with regards to sustainability and recyclability.”
It added customers also have the option of returning soft plastics to be recycled.
Lite n’ Easy also addresses recycling on its website too.
It suggests placing plastic bags into the esky, which is provided on delivery, and returning it to Lite n’ Easy. The bags and the esky can then be reused.
Trays, plastic bowls and other hard plastics can also be recycled in the kerbside recycle bin.
A Lite n' Easy spokesperson said the company was always looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Lite n’ Easy has a system in place to recycle plastic shopping bags and breakfast and lunch day bags supplied in your delivery,” the spokesperson said.
“Simply ensure the bags are empty and clean, place them all into one of the shopping bags and place this into your esky for collection.
“Once returned, we will send the plastic bags off to be recycled.
“Please do not include any other soft plastics such as the film container lids, as these cannot be recycled.”
The spokesperson added dinner trays and lids were made from sustainable paperboard and were recyclable.
“As are the plastic bowls and other hard plastics which can all be recycled in your kerbside recycle bin,” she said.
“Make sure you remove any film lids and rinse the containers first. Please do not return these to us.”
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