5 ways to fight retail overpackaging
Tired of all the small items in huge boxes, wasted cardboard and excessive packaging at your local big box retailer? Here's what you can do to fight back.
SHRINK WRAP: There's a big need to decrease the amount of packaging involved with all of our stuff. (Photo: kemalbas/iStockphoto) 
Comments
Huh?
"Those warehouse stores really manage costs, which means you'll find goods taped and shrink-wrapped together, rather than sold separately"... this is exactly what you DON'T want - the shrink-wrapping/bag etc is just excess packaging! Why would this be a plus? Large boxes are OK, but half the time that large box just has 2 or 3 of the regular size boxes inside! NOT good.
I was very impressed when I got my iPod delivered. A box just large enough to contain the device and it's already minimalistic retail packaging. But I hate when things come in large plastic blister packs. I do recycle all the packaging from things I get. Cardboard boxes get folded down to recycle or get repurposed for storage of other items, twist ties get used to bundle small things together, and styrofoam elements can be used to cushion items in packages sent to others.
I have to keep tools handy so I can cut my way into the packaging that comes on some of the things that I order because if you rip open the packaging there would be a substantial risk of damaging the goods inside. Often, you can't tell until stuff arrives that it is going to be ridiculously overpackaged. The tools include vise-grip style pliers, snips designed to cut sheet metal, and several knives. This is simply beyond ridiculous for basic consumer goods that a homeowner routinely buys. My.... More
The problem is people. Theft of small items drive the need for oversized packaging. Damage during shipping, stocking & shopping drive the need for protective packaging. If it weren't for the packaging we would pay more to cover losses of product. Human theives & careless people cause this. When you understand "why" things are done it helps in finding the best solutions.
Toy packaging is the worst with all of those twisty ties and tape...takes 15 minutes to get a Dora doll out of its box!
I've been complaining about packaging for years! I'm glad to see someone else with the same complaint! I recycle what I do run into but there are some products I refuse to buy just because of the packaging. Vitamins are a big problem for me though. when you get, say, 20 pills in a bottle large enough for 500 it's a real letdown by the manufacturer! I try not to buy those but it's not always so easy.
On some (but not enough) products, Amazon offers "frustration-free packaging," wherein small products like computer memory, flash drives, camera memory cards, etc., are packaged in small cardboard boxes instead of ginormous blister packs.
Not only are these less wasteful and more recyclable, they're also easier to open. And, if you decide you need to return the product, you can re-use the package. Wins all around.
Unfortunately this options doesn't show up nearly often enough, and.... More
In the UK a company can be fined for excessive packaging. Now that it the way to do it! A common goal defined by law that will have a real impact on the environment. We recycle as much as we can but I still have trash cans full each week. We DON'T need all the excess, we are just conditioned to buy, buy, buy.
We live in the age of materialism which will be followed by the age of excessive garbage.
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me. - http://www.1800recycling.com
