// Poundland faces backlash over “Gift of Nothing” Valentine’s Day gift
// Discount retailer accused of creating needless plastic waste
Poundland has become the subject of controversy around plastic waste after one of its Valentine’s Day gift items angered shoppers and environmental campaigners.
The discount retailer has been accused of creating creating unnecessary plastic waste by selling a Valentine’s Day gift called ‘Gift of Nothing’, which consists of a heart-shaped package with nothing in it.
The item has the taglines “exactly what you asked for” and “less is more”.
Shoppers have taken to social media to complain about the product ad its use of plastic.
https://twitter.com/abiialdridge/status/1087316568080560128
What's perhaps more worrying is the fact that @Poundland either don't understand the problem, or are demonstrating willful and motivated ignorance.
— Wayne Smallman (@Octane) January 21, 2019
This is disgusting. Shocking how this can be sold today. @Poundland you need to remove this from your shelves. Think about our planet. https://t.co/nL0MazNd9p
— Sian Youde (@SianYoude) January 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/axspike/status/1087326608355180549
Environmental campaigners have also voiced their criticisms.
“How can Poundland possibly think this is OK?”, said Sian Sutherland, co-founder of anti-plastic campaign group A Plastic Planet.
“This product is designed to go straight into the bin but will last for 500 years.
“It is a symbol of everything that is wrong with our view of the world. We are treating our beautiful planet like it is disposable when it is all we have.”
Julian Kirby, the lead campaigner from environmental group Friends Of The Earth, said: “The rest of the world sees the need for only the most essential plastics, with a fast phase-out of all other wasteful plastics, so let’s hope folly like this goes unloved and doesn’t re-appear.”
Meanwhile, Surfers Against Sewage posted a tweet that questioned whether Poundland ever received the “plastic-free memo”.
Poundland responded to the criticism by saying the product was “a bit of fun”.
However, it did not clarify if it could be recycled.
“Our customers love it as do loads of others online,” the retailer said in a statement.
“They all know it’s a bit of fun and we understand that’s still allowed in moderation.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
