The Responses to This Tweet Show Why You Shouldn't Shame People for Buying Packaged Fruit

Many supermarkets now feature a selection of peeled, cut and packaged fruit. Some have called out this extra packaging as wasteful, including ocean conservation group Blue Planet Society in a tweet on Thursday. But people with disabilities are responding to explain why manufacturers, as well as those who buy packaged fruit, shouldn’t be shamed for it.

Blue Planet Society tweeted a photo of packaged orange slices with the caption, “Earth-shattering stupidity courtesy of Group Carrefour. Join the campaign with the hashtag #PointlessPlastics.”

Earth-shattering stupidity courtesy of @GroupeCarrefour. Join the campaign with the hashtag #PointlessPlastics. (Via @ambienteeuropeo). #pollution #oceanrescue @GlobalGoodAward pic.twitter.com/v7KhU9nbS6

— Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) November 23, 2017

People with disabilities quickly came to the company’s defense, explaining that pre-cut, peeled fruit is actually extremely helpful for people living with disabilities that make it difficult to use their hands.

Hi yes disabled people exist and stuff like this actually helps us out a lot!!

— CHRISTMAS ???? (@MoonriseKaliane) November 24, 2017

Counterpoint: For people with arthritis or other impediments to using their hands, this may be the only way to get fruit without relying on someone else to peel or cut the fruit for you. #Disability #Independence

— Nikki v.51 (@NikkiSez) November 23, 2017

Some of us would like that be able to continue eating oranges even when a caregiver isn’t around.

— Marina who games ♿️ (@MarinaWhoGames) November 24, 2017

My fingers are extremely hypermobile and I’d dislocate them trying to peel an orange. I don’t always have a carer or person with me to help with stuff like this so sometimes I need stuff like this so I can eat.

— Beth (@bendy_beth) November 24, 2017

1. I can’t drive. 2. I am alone most days 3. Tremor4. Poor fine motor skills and small motor skills5. Left side weakness due to MS 6. I deserve healthy food 2. Oh and trigger finger: hard to grip. pic.twitter.com/Cp70XidWch

— RLC ????????????????‍♀️???????? (@LynnCurley4) November 25, 2017

Some people suggested asking supermarket employees to peel and cut produce for you, though others pointed out this creates more work for disabled people and might not even be possible at all stores. And asking a caregiver to prepare fruit and vegetables may not be possible either, if the caregiver isn’t around or if a disabled person doesn’t have a caregiver.

Okay, first of all, no. Not all supermarkets will slice on demand.

Second of all, you’re suggesting that disabled people have to wait for that to happen, rather than just buying our food. That’s not equal access.

— Ana Mardoll (@AnaMardoll) November 24, 2017

Easy to punch a hole thru cling film a pick up a slice. What if care giver isn’t around? You shouldn’t be allowed to eat what you want?

— Jesse ⭐ (@Emerald0013) November 26, 2017

Ultimately, many said environment-friendly packaging would be a positive solution, rather than eliminating packaging altogether.

If you *REALLY* want to make a change for good, work with the companies packaging them in styrofoam and plastic–the companies, the stores. Get them to change their packaging. That will help *MUCH* more, trust me.

— Lady Anger (@emillyorr) November 25, 2017

To help the environment and disabled customers, why not push for biodegradable packaging?

— .☆.:・*-♡-☆°・**[Fudge Judge Maz]☆°・*-♡-☆°・*:. (@MazHem_) November 25, 2017

By all means package this stuff in something other than plastic, but please be more aware that disabled people need prepared fruit like this.

— chiller ★BAN THE NAZIS, JACK. (@chiller) November 24, 2017

i was confused at first, too… but these are great for disabled people! considering the use of plastic, people who are not disabled should think thrice before buying.

— Matt Siegel (@mattsiegel) November 24, 2017

Last year, a meme referring to people who buy packed, peeled oranges as “lazy” went viral. Mighty contributor Lindsay Jolly, a mom whose son has fine and gross motor delays, wrote a response and explained, “All I can do is encourage people to look beyond a picture and realize that sometimes things aren’t as cut and dry as they may seem. Easy doesn’t have to mean lazy.”