Trader Joe's Packaging: Best and Worst Ranked for Sustainability — Rapid Reforest Campaign (2024)

Trader Joe's, the popular grocery store known for its unique products and affordable prices, has a wide selection of delicious foods and snacks. However, as with any store, Trader Joe's uses various packaging items to house its products, and some are better than others in terms of sustainability and functionality. In this article, we'll take a closer look at specific examples of the best and worst packaging items at Trader Joe's.

Best Packaging Items at Trader Joe’s:

1. Reusable Bags: Trader Joe's offers a range of reusable bags, including their iconic "Trader Joe's" branded tote bags, as well as smaller produce bags. These reusable bags are made of durable materials and are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic bags. They are affordable, sturdy, and can be used repeatedly, reducing the need for disposable bags and helping to minimize plastic waste.

2. Glass Jars: Many of Trader Joe's products come in glass jars, which are a sustainable packaging option. Glass is recyclable indefinitely without losing quality, making it a great choice for reducing environmental impact. Trader Joe's offers products like pasta sauces, salsa, and nut butters in glass jars, which can be easily recycled or reused for storage purposes.

3. Compostable Packaging: Trader Joe's has made efforts to use compostable packaging for some of its products. For example, their frozen fruits and vegetables often come in compostable bags made from renewable resources, which can be added to compost bins or disposed of in municipal composting programs. This helps to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy.

Worst Packaging Items at Trader Joe’s:

1. Plastic Produce Bags: Like many other grocery stores, Trader Joe's uses plastic produce bags for customers to package their fruits and vegetables. These thin plastic bags are typically single-use and contribute to plastic pollution. While Trader Joe's encourages customers to reuse these bags or opt for reusable produce bags, they are still a significant source of plastic waste.

2. Excessive Plastic Packaging: Some of Trader Joe's products come in excessive plastic packaging. For example, pre-packaged fruits and vegetables may be wrapped in plastic trays and covered with plastic wrap, creating unnecessary plastic waste. Similarly, some snack items come in plastic containers with excessive plastic seals or wraps, which can be challenging to recycle or compost.

3. Styrofoam Packaging: Trader Joe's occasionally uses Styrofoam packaging for fragile items such as eggs or delicate fruits. Styrofoam is not easily recyclable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution and harm to wildlife. Many customers are concerned about the negative impact of Styrofoam on the environment and would prefer more sustainable alternatives.