The Customer Isn't Always Right

Much plastic packaging is driven by the need to resist shoplifters. Why do you think so many things are so hard to open?

But, to answer your question - I, as the consumer, don't dictate how my products are packaged. All I can do is choose between the types of packaging offered. And since I'm really most concerned about the quality of the item, most stuff out there being crap, the packaging is rarely my main concern. If products are offered in "green" packaging, consumers will buy them - they have no other choice.

I am seeing signs that consumes are fighting back. Quite often now outside places like Wal-Mart and Costco I have seen consumers stripping away the foam packing and the cardbox container and leaving it on the doorstep of the store. this goes for everything from smaller blister packs to TV and other large appliances and furniture. Where I live, its the law you must recycle and a tipping fee is levied on everything taken to the dump. Som eplaces do not even acept foam packing material. A number of communities also place limits on how many bags of garbage can be set up for garbage collection. They regulate it by selling garbage tags. One per bag. No tag no pick-up. 3 per customer. Tipping fee for computers, monitors, TV and so on is $5 per item. Plus you pay a "green fee" when you purchase it. Pop and beer cans fetch 5 cents each and liquor bottles pay 10 cents at the recycle depot. All public events must provide three diferent garbage bins. Food stuffs, glass, and tin cans are seperated at source. Because all of it is recycled. Food stuff is composted. Many grocery stores no longer give you bags for the shopping. You either bring your own or else buy what bags you need. Some food store chains provide food in bulk. Everything from pasta to sugar and cookies and nuts, soup and juice powder plus other similar things. Fortunately our society isn't filled with sickos who deliberately poison foods to get their jollies. At least there have not been a single incident of such activity in the past 10 year that the police is aware of while this bulk food option has been used. It sure saves on packaging though. Go to an American owned hardware store chain and you find nails bolts and screws sold in 5, 10, 50, or 100 pieces neatly packed in plastic boxes. Go to a Canadian owned chain and you cna get as many or as few as you need. Fasteners are sold by weight. And you get a choice of paper or plastic bags. or just your pockets to carry them home in.