Tag Archives: Wet Markets

Why wet markets work for this grocery shopper

Posted on 16 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on Why wet markets work for this grocery shopper

LAST year, the wet market near my home was closed for nine months for renovation.

As a result, I had to turn to supermarkets for my grocery shopping. I experienced many inconveniences and have many grouses to share:

1. Supermarkets are not environment friendly. Wet markets pack their food in newspapers and give you one plastic bag for all your purchases (unless you buy a lot). Supermarkets pack theirs in styrofoam and cling wrap, and offer a plastic bag for each food item. So one trip to the supermarket can result in at least five plastic bags going to waste (not forgetting the receipts they will print even if you buy just one lollipop). The air-conditioners, chillers and freezers in a supermarket are also bad for our environment. I walked past an NTUC FairPrice supermarket one morning and could see through the shutters that the aircon, lights and even cashier systems were left running even after operating hours. Continue reading →

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Supermarts cannot beat wet markets for fresh produce

Posted on 15 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on Supermarts cannot beat wet markets for fresh produce

THE debate over the takeover of wet markets by supermarkets does not take into account a particular group of customers who patronise wet markets as early as 6am.

They are the school and factory canteen operators and hawkers, and they have to complete their produce shopping before sunrise in order to head back to their canteens and stalls to cook and serve the food.

I am a regular customer of supermarkets, especially Sheng Siong, and I have found that though the opening time is supposed to be 7am, even at 7.30am, a variety of vegetables and fish is still not available.

What is available are leftovers from the previous day, including leafy greens that have turned yellow or black. I have tried to purchase a packet of spinach before but ended up throwing away almost half the packet. Continue reading →

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