Packaging Woes

RachCDS · Post by **RachCDS** » 16 Oct 2010, 17:26

In my opinion this is an obvious target for change. I am bemused by some of the products out there that are covered in unnecessary packaging. It also makes no sense for the companies to be spending ridiculous amounts on it. A few things that particularly annoy me are..

The piece of card that is placed alongside chocolate bars to keep them straight.
Bananas in bags!? Nature sorted this one for us
Vacuum packaging that not only cuts you to shreds, but also usually two or three times bigger than the product inside
Children’s toys!

REDUCE is before RECYLCE

Kentucky Fried Panda · Post by **Kentucky Fried Panda** » 16 Oct 2010, 17:30

Oil depletion will reduce packaging.

Post by **adam2** » 16 Oct 2010, 17:51

Haggis wrote:Oil depletion will reduce packaging.

True, and in the meantime consumers can discourage excess packageing by not purchaseing such goods.
Not all bananas come in plastic bags, buy the ones that dont, when posible.
Not all chocolate bars come with a cardboard insert, favour the ones that dont.

In some cases there is no realistic alternative to over packaged goods at present but in many cases alternatives are available.

Kentucky Fried Panda · Post by **Kentucky Fried Panda** » 16 Oct 2010, 18:07

Buy in bulk, stop buying children's toys.

They have too much anyway.

madibe · Post by **madibe** » 16 Oct 2010, 18:26

yea 'tis stoopid.

avoid - thing is, packaging is very attractive to a lot of people... especially kids toys... selling the sizzle.

Shame is, if you have two identical products, one loose and one packaged, most people will pick the glossy package

RachCDS · Post by **RachCDS** » 16 Oct 2010, 23:11

I don't actually buy children's toys, but im sure i will one day, and will be sure to buy those without excessive packaging.

I am just pointing out that some packaging is not necessary, and i do make a conscious effort to avoid those products.
Millions must be spent on it in this country, and it just goes straight into landfill OR recycling- using more energy once again.

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 16 Oct 2010, 23:43

You can get some brilliant children's toys from car boot sales, no extra packaging there.

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 17 Oct 2010, 00:44

Andy Hunt wrote:You can get some brilliant children's toys from car boot sales, no extra packaging there.

But what do you do with all the car boots?

Post by **kenneal - lagger** » 17 Oct 2010, 01:58

Andy Hunt wrote:You can get some brilliant children's toys from car boot sales, no extra packaging there.

How is a car boot different from, say, a walking boot or a Wellington boot?

Seriously though, packaging has been studied very carefully by the marketing people and they've found that if two identical products are offered in different sized packaging people will buy the one in the larger package. They will also pay more for the larger package. So packaging is our fault.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 17 Oct 2010, 20:09

kenneal wrote:Seriously though, packaging has been studied very carefully by the marketing people and they've found that if two identical products are offered in different sized packaging people will buy the one in the larger package. They will also pay more for the larger package. So packaging is our fault.

I agree. Also, there are these millions of utterly stupid people who buy bananas, oranges and a host of other food in packaging when nature provides it for free.

Cabrone · Post by **Cabrone** » 18 Oct 2010, 08:53

I get all my fruit and veg (that I don't grow myself) from the local market so packaging is at a minimum.

Even so, I've lost count of the number of times I've had to ask them for no plastic bag.

That said, I love having a market within walking distance of the house.

Blooms1 · Post by **Blooms1** » 18 Oct 2010, 14:26

You are lucky to have a market within walking distance from your house!

I agree that it is silly of people to buy things which have unecessary packaging. But, as long as people are buying it then companies are obivously going to continue to do it. There is too much competition nowadays for them not to if it means that it's selling more of their product. Until people are aware of this tactical marketing procedure and stop conforming to it then it will just continue won't it.

Señor · Post by **Señor** » 20 Oct 2010, 09:32

Breakfast cereals take the biscuit. They only fill the bag inside half full meaning they could save on the plastic bag and the cardboard.

Cabrone wrote:I get all my fruit and veg (that I don't grow myself) from the local market so packaging is at a minimum.

Even so, I've lost count of the number of times I've had to ask them for no plastic bag.

That said, I love having a market within walking distance of the house.

They only give you the bag because most people expect it. I wouldn't criticise them for it personally.

Mina · Post by **Mina** » 21 Oct 2010, 21:30

We are all unassuming victims of marketing but that's no excuse. I personally find it very difficult to be on the good side as many times it is hard to tell how oversized the packaging is until you open it and find that the box is half empty (cereal).The shocking thing is that even shops that advocate 'change for the better' and seem to be better than most (M&S, Loccitane) use shocking amounts and types of packaging. Practice makes perfect though. You just need to get in the habit of paying attention when shopping.[/i]

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 22 Oct 2010, 12:17

Well said Mina and welcome to PowerSwitch!