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Going Shopping, it's all about the packaging!
ECO NEWS, March 2008, by Deanna Fry
GOING SHOPPING?
It’s not just what you buy…
it’s how it’s PACKAGED!
Check out this awesome email we recently received from Chantal…
Dear GCDA, I’m writing in to say that I love that you added the Eco News section to the magazine. I’m big into environmental action and making a different for the planet. Some people make fun of what I have to say because they think I’m too serious, but most of my friends listen to me and start to care too. The more that people learn about it, the more they will take action, like me.
I have some ideas about packaging that Deanna can use in her column if she wants.
Packaging is something that drives me crazy! My mom bought new printer ink and for one tiny cartridge, they used a molded plastic package that was probably 10 times bigger than it needed to be. I started noticing all kinds of unnecessary packaging. Here are my eco tips: 1. look for products that have environmental packaging, 2. if you buy something small, pass on the bag and put it in your purse or just carry, 3. tell your parents to buy stuff in bulk that uses less packaging, 4. refill your ink cartridges, 5. bring your lunch to school in your own containers, too much waste happens from unnecessary packaged foods, 6. write letters to your favourite product manufacturers and ask them to start creating smaller, more enviro-friendly packages with less waste.
I just know we can make things happen for the better and I believe now what my teacher always said, “every little bit counts”.
~ Chantel, 16, Kitchener, ON
DEANNA: Not only does Chantal have some great tips, but she brings up a great point! Packaging is something that drives me crazy!” I agree 100% with her on this. So many of the things we buy come in packages we don’t need or use. They are large, not recyclable, awkward and get thrown out as soon as we open them.
BUT WHY?!
Wonder no longer, I’ll tell you why... the answer is summed up nicely with one word: MARKETING. Most packages are designed to help sell the products inside them. Unfortunately, the environment and the ‘Three R’s’ don’t usually get much consideration from companies whose main goal is economic profit (making money). That’s where we come in, we are the CONSUMERS, the ones who actually buy the products. But we have a choice! ‘Responsible consumption’ is about taking responsibility for all aspects of the things we buy, even the packages they come in.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
When it comes to product packaging, make sure to consider the ‘Three R’s’, in the correct order; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. If the product has excessive packaging that can’t be reused or recycled, reduce your use by refusing to buy it.
Reduce has always been the first R, and the most important one. It takes energy to reuse and especially to recycle, so think about not buying it in the first place. And if it’s something you really need (vs. want) take the time to do the research and comparison shop to find the most environmentally friendly and socially responsible choice.
If we don’t buy products because we object to their packaging, companies will be forced to come up with more environmental ways to package.
Thanks to Chantal for caring, taking the time to write and mostly for being part of the solution rather than being part of the problem.
~ Deanna