Write about the following topic:
Some people feel that the manufacturers and supermarkets should have the responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods, while others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (1)
The debate regarding who should shoulder the responsibility of reducing product packaging - manufacturers and supermarkets, or consumers - is a contentious one. While some argue that manufacturers and supermarkets are the primary contributors and thus should take the lead, others believe that consumer choices have the power to shape the industry. In this essay, I will discuss both these views and put forth my perspective, which advocates for a shared responsibility between all parties involved.
The viewpoint that manufacturers and retailers should take the initiative in reducing packaging finds its roots in the very process of product creation and distribution. Manufacturers have a direct influence on the packaging of a product, right from the design stage. By opting for lean packaging strategies and eco-friendly materials, they can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of their goods. Furthermore, supermarkets can reinforce this initiative by choosing to stock only those products that adhere to strict packaging guidelines. An instance of such a practice can be seen in the policies of Tesco, the British multinational groceries chain, which has committed to eliminating hard-to-recycle materials from its own brand products.
Conversely, the school of thought favouring consumers' responsibility rests on the power of market demand. The argument goes that if consumers consistently choose products with less packaging, manufacturers will be forced to adjust their practices to meet market preferences. Boycotting brands that excessively package their products and advocating for eco-conscious practices can create a consumer-driven push for change. The increasing popularity of package-free shops in various parts of the world is a testament to the potential influence of consumer choice on industry practices.
In evaluating these perspectives, I am led to believe that the responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods is not a binary one. Instead, it necessitates a synergistic effort from manufacturers, supermarkets, and consumers alike. Manufacturers and retailers can proactively innovate and implement minimalistic packaging designs, while consumers can incentivise these practices through their purchasing choices.
In conclusion, it is evident that tackling the challenge of excessive packaging requires an integrated approach, with manufacturers, retailers, and consumers all playing their respective roles. As we move towards a more sustainable future, this shared responsibility becomes not just an option, but a necessity, paving the way for a more eco-friendly consumer industry.
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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (2)
The issue of excessive packaging for consumer goods has elicited a myriad of views on the parties responsible for curtailing it. Some argue that the onus lies with producers and retail outlets, while others contend that consumers can influence the packaging process by avoiding over-packaged products. This essay will delve into these perspectives and propose that the responsibility should be collectively borne by both manufacturers and consumers.
Advocates for the first viewpoint posit that manufacturers and retailers are instrumental in determining packaging strategies. Given their direct control over production processes, manufacturers can opt for minimalistic packaging and environmentally friendly materials. For instance, they can transition from plastic to more sustainable alternatives like recycled paper or biodegradable materials. Furthermore, retailers can lend support by eschewing partnerships with companies notorious for generating substantial packaging waste. A salient example of this would be the decision by Vinmart, Vietnam's largest supermarket chain, to boycott products with excessive packaging, leading to a remarkable reduction in customer-generated waste.
On the flip side, proponents of consumer responsibility argue that buyers wield significant influence over packaging through their purchasing decisions. Consumers can take a stand by gravitating towards products with minimal packaging and boycotting brands that demonstrate scant regard for environmental sustainability. This could result in a disruption of revenue streams for those companies, prompting them to reconsider their packaging policies. For example, the recent surge in consumer demand for zero-waste products has forced numerous companies to reevaluate and diminish their reliance on packaging.
In synthesizing the perspectives above, I concur that tackling the issue of overpackaging necessitates a concerted effort from both manufacturers and consumers. While manufacturers have the authority to reform packaging norms directly, consumers can exert substantial pressure through informed purchasing choices.
In conclusion, the key to addressing the packaging problem lies not in the hands of a single party, but in a joint effort between manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. As we stride towards a sustainable future, it is imperative that we understand and execute our individual roles in conserving our environment.
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