Leading Article: A bargain? No, it's a banana

Wednesday 15 January 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Something for nothing? Not quite. When Phil Calcott calculated that Tesco was paying him 8p for every 3lb of bananas he took away, he figured he "couldn't lose". He thought that after buying pounds 942 worth of bananas he was pounds 25.12 better off.

But add on Mr Calcott's trips to the supermarket to pick up the bananas, the petrol used ferrying them to and fro and the hours spent standing in a Worcester street giving them away to bemused and reluctant shoppers. That's at least eight hours' work plus expenses, all for 25 quid. Great gesture, but we think Phil conned himself. There is, after all, no such thing as a free lunch.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in