My better half popped out to the local shop today, and whilst there decided to opt for a (lazy) bag of dumpling mix as we were having a stew.

When we looked at it... you wouldn't believe the packet was made from no less than 7 mixed plastics! Now I'm no expert but I can't see how, if they're mixed together, this packet will ever by recyclable.

The guilt I suppose is with us, since we can easliy check what the packaging is made of, but I am a little disappointed since it is a home brand of the COOP chain (uk). And they are normally very environmentally aware.

I suppose we should be thankfull that it wasn't wrapped in a cardboard box, wrapped in another layer of plastic as you see so often these days. In fact last sunday, when I picked up a small cardboard packet of chicken stuffing, I found there was yet another packet inside it. This was a bigger nown brand name, but again... the contents could have simply been the paper-based sachet inside with very little reduction in presentation.

These big companies do seem to be a little slow on the uptake of simple packaging reductions.

I would be interested if anyone knows if mixed plastivs are seperatable without using a rediculous amount of energy.Please let us know.