Walmart Shoppers Demand End to Plastic-Wrapped Garlic

As of November 10th, 2025, Walmart shoppers have expressed growing frustration with the retailer's sale of individual garlic heads wrapped in plastic. The issue was brought to light when a shopper in Idaho shared a photo on the r/Anticonsumption subreddit, captioning it "How to stop this?"

While many commenters acknowledged that plastic waste is a major problem, some noted that companies often wrap produce in plastic to keep it fresh longer and reduce food waste, which is also a significant global concern. One person suggested the simplest solution is to "not buy the food wrapped in plastic."

Walmart has recognized the need to address plastic pollution and is taking steps to tackle the issue. By 2025, the company aims to achieve fully recyclable or compostable packaging for its private-label products and provide recycling instructions to consumers. Walmart has also launched initiatives like offering in-store collection bins for plastic items and exploring alternatives to traditional plastic shopping bags.

Despite these efforts, the plastic-wrapped garlic highlights the ongoing challenges in finding the right balance between reducing waste and maintaining product freshness. Experts note that the plastics industry is responsible for around 3-4% of global pollution, a figure that could triple by 2050 if left unchecked. As consumers and companies continue to search for sustainable solutions, the debate over plastic-wrapped produce is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the years to come.