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Packaging, packaging, PACKAGING! Ugh, it gets on our nerves so much when companies use far too much packaging for their products. ‘Excessive’ doesn’t even cut it when you look at all the plastic, paper, and bubble wrap needed for a single tiny thing. Meanwhile, the Environment’s sitting in the corner, weeping, wondering what it did wrong to deserve this and why companies don’t change their outdated business models.
Some packaging is so horrifyingly unnecessary, it gets shamed on the r/EgregiousPackaging subreddit, a place that shows that excess is far from the positive thing that some customers are led to believe. Scroll down to see the very worst offenders and let us know in the comments what the very worst example was that you’ve seen with your own two eyes, Pandas.
When you’re done with this list, you can find more fuel for your outrage by reading these two Bored Panda articles about excessive packaging right here, as well as here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My Friend Ordered Earrings From Fabfitfun. Just Earrings
RELATED:
#2
Sephora At It Again For A .05oz Concealer
#3
Ordered Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes From A Zero Waste Store - Came In 100% Non-Degradable Bubble Wrap And Plastic Bags
The r/EgregiousPackaging online community is fairly new. Founded in early 2019, it will be celebrating its 3rd birthday on January 16, 2022. In that time, the group has grown to 16.3k.
A while back, I spoke to four experts about packaging, plastic, business, and recycling. They went in-depth with Bored Panda about the reasons why companies actually focus on having more packaging than we might think is necessary, and highlighted what we as consumers can do to affect their decision-making process.
Graham Forbes, Greenpeace's Global Project Leader for the Plastic-Free-Future, told Bored Panda that companies have convinced people that they can use something once, for a few minutes, and then simply throw it away. “The problem is, we know now that there is no such thing as ‘away,’” he said.
#4
Not Sure If This Counts, But This Is For Only Three Things At CVS
#5
Soda Cans Are Very Fragile
#6
[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting
![[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/61a7416fa047f_lwv4v3duhta21__700.jpg "[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting")
“Less than 10 percent of the plastic waste ever made has actually been recycled, with the vast majority ending up in our oceans, landfills, or incinerated—polluting communities around the globe,” Forbes, from Greenpeace, warned.
“Companies are still stuck in this outdated business model that uses unnecessary packaging and puts the onus on the consumer to clean it up. It is up to all of us to demand accountability from these companies that continue to churn out throwaway plastic. It's time to demand systems of reuse rather than polluting throwaway packaging,” he said.
#7
Matryoshka Allergy Relief
#8
Plastic Packaging For A Cd Disk......but Without A Cd Disk In It
#9
Just Why?
Melissa Morse Tolentino-Potter 4 years ago
Umm did they touch the masks to package them like this? Because if they touched the mask to put it in the packaging then its pointless because they are contaminated
“By utilizing reusable bottles, bags, or containers, we can start to build the systems that we want to see from large companies. Ultimately, large-scale systemic change will depend on companies like Nestle, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo changing their business models to reject throwaway plastic packaging. By rejecting throwaway culture, we can move them in a better direction quickly,” Forbes explained to Bored Panda.
Meanwhile, Kara Pochiro from the Association of Plastic Recyclers noted that “packaging often has a variety of uses that the general consumer does not realize such as protection and preservation.” In short, there are clear reasons why companies add a lot of packaging that we might find egregiously excessive. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t change how companies operate. By changing our spending habits, we can affect the business models that corporations go for.
#10
My Father Ordered 15 Fence Posts… Legends Tell Of A Second Truck, Out There Somewhere Going To Deliver The Last One
#11
Individually Wrapped Jellybeans
#12
Really Glad My Made From Recycled Materials & Biodegradable Sponges Came Wrapped Together And Individually In Plastic
“If consumers purchase products and packaging made with recycled content, this will encourage companies to use more recycled content, can boost demand for that material, and increase recycling rates,” Pochiro said.
“Consumers play a big role in the success of recycling programs. They need to recycle and buy products and packaging made with recycled content.”
#13
Hypocrites At Sobeys Grocery Store In Halifax Ns
#15
Chipotle's "Fruit Cup"
The CEO of Plastics for Change, Andrew Almack highlighted the fact that getting rid of plastics in packaging would require a lot of effort on the part of companies.
“Removing unnecessary plastic requires companies to redefine their supply chain. They have to do RnD while keeping in mind challenges like the visual appeal of product packaging, the durability of alternatives, sustained supply of alternatives, costing, and manufacturing,” he told Bored Panda that this may be part of the reason why some companies don’t make the switch.
#16
An Office Supply Company Bubble-Wrapped Their Bubble Wrap
#17
Ordered 27 Books From Amazon On A Single Order. Got 27 Boxes With 1 Book Each Delivered
#18
Individually Wrapped Vegetables In A Vietnamese Supermarket
“It is important for customers to purchase and use products made by businesses that focus on sustainability. When people start buying from eco-friendly businesses, the demand for such goods would increase and ignite other players to cater to this trend which could be done by a simple change in current company policies,” Almack said that customers can be a force for change.
“Being more conscious about our throwaway culture is where one should surely start. Simple changes to eliminate single-use plastic go a long way: avoid gum and plasticware, reuse storage containers and use razors with replaceable blades,” Almack explained what we can do as individuals to help the environment. Every small bit of effort matters, even if it’s the large multinational companies who hold most of the power to affect change.
#19
Really… Amazon…
Daniel Mueller 4 years ago
Amazon is the worst. They intentionally over pack products just to fill up UPS trucks
#20
Individually Packaged Slice Of Bread
#21
Disposable Phone Chargers
A spokesperson from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste stressed the fact that plastic waste is harming our environment and that change needs to happen.
“Everyone agrees: plastic waste does not belong in our oceans, or anywhere in the environment. And despite the many benefits of plastic to health, safety, sustainability, and convenience, plastic waste has become a challenge in parts of the world because it is not managed properly,” they said in an interview with Bored Panda.
#22
Must Have Been Out Of Envelopes
Animelover13ฅ(• ɪ •)ฅ 4 years ago (edited)
Dude you could have gone to a gas station and bought batteries Edit:I understand that some people might not be able to leave the house to get stuff so it would be better if this came in a smaller box or envelope
#23
So I Only Get This Much Actual Cream?
Justine 4 years ago
It looks more like a pump bottle that has a plunger moving upwards from the bottom and a dispenser withdrawing the product. This package isn't too ergonomic as there's still plenty of product left when it doesn't have enough pressure to withdraw and also requires lots of plastic and a whole mechanism to dispense
#24
Big Box For A Small Bottle With Only Enough Pills To Fill The Cap. Lame
“To help address the challenge in a globally coordinated and transformative way, over 40 companies around the world, from across the plastics value chain—companies that make, use, sell, process, collect and recycle plastics—have joined together with a clear mission: to help end plastic waste in the environment,” they said that some companies do focus on helping the environment. Not everyone’s a villain when it comes to packaging—some choose to be superheroes.
#25
Just... Why?
#26
There Was Nothing In This Box But A Card And Packing Material
#27
If Only Shallots Had Natural Layers Of Protection From Their Environment. Thanks, Walmart And Suppliers
“The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has pledged 1.5 billion dollars over the next five years to develop, accelerate and bring to scale solutions to minimize and manage plastic waste, catalyze investment, engage communities and promote solutions including reducing, reusing, recovering, and recycling materials. Alliance efforts will be implemented in a coordinated way with support and resources from both the public and private sectors, facilitating comprehensive, meaningful, and lasting change that will help end plastic waste in the environment.”
#28
When You Run Out Of Small Boxes At The Package Station But If You Go Get More You’re Pack Rate Percentage Will Go Into The Yellow
Limey Cheesehead 4 years ago
i think this post just explained a lot of the images on this thread...
#29
Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic
Nurichwersonst 4 years ago
Yeah and then the government and the companies blame the customers that they create so much waste... shame on you, customer! 👹😇
#30
I Find This Disgusting, Lazy, And So Damn Harmful To Both The Environment And The Consumer's Psyche...
#31
Ordered 150 Washers. This Is How They Were Packaged
#32
Buddy Bought Two Mini Cast Irons From Amazon
#33
Not Only Is It Egregious, But It's Infuriating
Elim Garak 4 years ago
I am quite sure there was a knife and a glass inside, after all it is a "Good morning KIT". And the jar of Nutella looks quite big. So this is a hoax.
#34
I Bought A Nail File
BlackestDawn 4 years ago
In fairness it wouldn't be financially viable to have packaging for every possible size and depending on setup there is a minimum practical size to packaging.
#35
For Crying Out Loud...
#36
Hopefully 2020 Brings Less Of This
MysteriousLegBruise 4 years ago
My grandmother (god rest her) used to get these. You puncture some holes into the plastic, pop it in the microwave and it steams up into a nice "baked" potato.
#37
Because Mascara Is Fragile. Thanks Sephora!
#38
This 0.7 Ml Dogs' Anti-Flea And Anti-Tick Drops Straight Out Of The Box
#39
Ordered A Tube Of Thermal Paste
Iris_the_kilr 4 years ago
the deal with bigger packaging for small is that your more likely to break whats inside then small packaging for smaller items.
#40
Tiny Little Amount Of Eyeliner In A Huge Plastic Container
Elmie Pumpkinbush 4 years ago
It is much cheaper to buy professional cosmetics like mac and such. The prices appear higher, but they pack a lot of (high quality pigment rich) product in each item.
#41
Hi Y'all, Im A Designer At Tic-Tac. Hope You Enjoy Our Newest Optimized Design For Tic-Tacs!
#42
How They Sell Bananas In Japan. Bonus: If You Don't Explicitly Decline, The Cashier Will Give You Another Bag For The Banana
#43
Technically Correct!
Ryan Deschanel 4 years ago
It is actually better, because you can move three vehicles while only driving one.
#44
Individually-Wrapped Bread Slices
#45
This Tea That I Got For Christmas
Tiny Dancer 4 years ago
I'm going to stick up for this one. It's what they do (http://www.regaloteas.com/Gift-Collection.php). They're those fancy-schmancy pyramid tea bags in different flavours, so packing them together would ruin the taste. They're also packaged for gift-giving. Not a big fan, still killing the environment, but not scammers as so many others on the list are.
#46
This Is How They Send My Contacts. Every. Year
#47
Delivery Of 5 Screwdrivers From Digi-Key...
M O'Connell 4 years ago
I can confirm that this is not Digi-Key's smallest box, so they may have had an issue on their end.
#48
Taking It To The Proper Place
#49
Thanks For Packaging The Spare Part, Gopro
Alethia Nyx 4 years ago
Says a lot that they have pre packaged, fully designed not just a plain box, spare parts.
#50
Bought A Bigger Pack Of Buenos. Only To Find Out It’s Only Two Smaller Packs Of Them. Only To Find Out They’re Then Individually Wrapped
#51
I Received A Complimentary Bathtub With My Face Brush From Costco
#52
Individually Wrapped Jelly Beans
ZAPanda 4 years ago
this is common at restaurants. We used to have a tradition here where restaurants had a sweet ("Candy") bowl at the exit for you to help yourself. Our health department did a study and found they were infested with urine from men who do not practice basic hygiene in the bathroom. So they made a law that if you have a sweet bowl, each sweet has to be individually wrapped. Fortuantely, most restauarnts do not do this anymore, but they still give you individually wrapped sweets with the bill ("check"). Still daft, but not as bad.
#53
I Think Amazon Is Running Out Of Boxes...
#54
Guess Whole Foods Thought They Could Improve Upon The Corn Husk
#55
Individually Shrink Wrapped Apples
#56
Individually Wrapped Peppers
#58
Why Would You Even Do That
#59
Amazon Packs My $300 Ssd In A Non-Padded Bag. My Weed Dude On The Other Hand...
#60
All This To Ship That Small Little Plastic Bag On The Right
#61
My Workplace Has Four-Packs Of Tic-Tacs In The Snack Drawer
#62
I Work At A Starbucks Inside Target. These Are The Packages We Receive For Signage Updates- The Smaller Ones On The Bottom Are All We Actually Needed
#63
First Time Seeing This For Myself. Can’t Believe People Out There Really Thought This Was A Good Idea
Daniel Marsh 4 years ago
Not sure what those are, but I don't want them breeding with anything else.
#64
Old Insurance Only Covered My Birth Control If I Went Through Mail-Order. Switching Back To Pick UPS With My New Insurance Was The Best Feeling. Product Is The Small Blue-Ish Thing Center Bottom
#65
I’m Glad There’s Not Filler But Our Cat’s Medicine Arrived In A Comically Large Box
#66
All Of This For A Keyboard, That For Some Reason Shipped Separately From The Laptop
Nicole Trombly 4 years ago
Isn’t a keyboard attached to the laptop? Why would you need another keyboard?
#67
Anyone Else Feel Like Our Packaging Is Wasteful For A Lot Of Our Products?
#68
Why Is There So Much Packaging For A Single Claritin? Isn't This Wasteful?
#69
The Place I Work At Just Got Individually Wrapped Packages Of Individually Wrapped M&m’s
#70
It's The Only Way To Ship A Yardstick
Nikki Sevven 4 years ago
Why are you buying stuff online that's available locally? Every hardware store carries yardsticks, and they're cheap.
#71
Would You Look At That
#73
Plastic Waste. Ordered 100 Sump Plug Washers And They All Came Individually Bagged In Bags That Are Far Bigger Than Is Necessary
#74
We Ordered 3 Mio Drink Flavors, They Came In 3 Packages Like This
#75
I’m Here Trying To Be Better For The Earth, But These Vegan Patties Have This Egregious Plastic Tray
#76
Sliced Onion In Plastic Packaging
#77
Was Told To Cross Post This Here. Single Serving Ritz Found In One Of My Office’s Kitchen Cabinets
#78
Ordered 5 Bottles Of Hair Spray At The Same Time. Came In 5 Separate Boxes On The Same Day All With It's Own Wrapping
#79
Probably Been Posted, I'm New But This Packaging On What Is Normally Sold Loose
#80
Not Only Do I Have To Open A Single Packet Everyday For My Meds, But They Know I Have A Disability Where My Joints Dislocate Very Easily...
NsG 4 years ago
I'm not sure I fully understand this one. Is each blister pack a single day's medication? This looks like how nearly all medications are shipped - how is this extraneous packaging? The extra space between pills, designed to be easier to handle for people with mobility issues? Also, the manufacturers don't know you have a condition - your GP and pharmacist might.
#81
Three Layers...
#82
This Is Saddening
#83
The Hotel I’m Staying At Has Individual Plastic Packaging For Each Plastic Cup
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What do you think ?
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
For people saying individually wrapped fruit and veg is "safer" during COVID times, just wash the damned fruit/veg before you eat it! Problem solved!
Caro Caro 4 years ago
I had to stop at #30 because I got so angry. Some of these are unavoidable (postal orders) but a lot can be avoided by not buying this and if necessary being a Karen (I know I know) and complaining. It's the only way. Oh and if it comes in too much plastic you can return it with a note ...
Brivid 4 years ago (edited)
Some of these could be avoided if people would support their town by buying locally.
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Jo Choto 4 years ago
The waste of most of these is so shameful, I couldn't keep going. There are some that have reasons. Sometimes hygiene requires items in public places to be individually wrapped. Also, because of the way Amazon loads their vans, they have to have a box big enough that it will load properly with the other boxes. However, I see no reason why they couldn't have a rack with envelope type packages in the van so they could just post the items through the door, instead of having boxes.
Chris Munro 4 years ago
The irony of someone ordering a nail file or a bottle of Mio on Amazon, then complaining about how it's packaged. Go to the store FFS.
Glirpy 4 years ago
I'm sure a lot of the Amazon ones happen because the people packing these are in a hurry, aren't paid enough, and grab the closest box to where they are standing so they don't get yelled at by their supervisor for being away from their station.
bumble bee 4 years ago
while I fully agree that there is a severe packaging issue, I don't think most people know that there is a reason why packaging in too big of a box is happening. Amazon has strict rules, and packers do not have a choice in most cases.
Load More Replies... Beentheredonethat 4 years ago
This is ridiculous, how did straws become an issue when this obviously excessive plastic garbage is here everywhere everyday
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Deliberate misdirection by the 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions?
Load More Replies... Kira Okah 4 years ago
Most of these have reasons, not all of them, and certainly not always good reasons, but still reasons. Why attack those explaining those reasons? Explaining something doesn't mean they are condoning it.
Alex the Country Dog 4 years ago
You had wonderful explanations, Kira. I really appreciated your input, and I know your helpful information was not in defense of packaging, but just providing context. I’m sorry people were often downvoting you or being jerks. Self-righteousness and shaming seem to be more popular than understanding and then considering actual solutions that match the situations. Well done on ALL your comments throughout the thread.
Load More Replies... ZAPanda 4 years ago
I think some of these are due to the items being so small, that they want to ensure that they do not get lost in the post, so I get that part. However, at least then use organic packaging material inside as well. Like starch-based foam peanuts.
J. Normal 4 years ago
I reuse and recycle, so the paper and boxes are used
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Stephanie Keith 4 years ago
These companies are only half of the problem. It's us the consumer that add to this problem. By buying or wanting things we truly do not need in the 1st place. These companies know our weaknesses better than we do. If we only consumed natural things we needed to live. Things could be better, but unfortunately not enough people are willing to do what needs to be done to help our environment. That's the truth, I'm afraid.
Tami 4 years ago
+1000. We gotta think carefully about why we think we need to buy so many things and find another way to fulfill that need. And stop judging others who don't have a lot of shiny new gadgets and things, instead of thinking they're losers or something.
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Vicky Z 4 years ago
It's so easy for world leaders to start putting fines but they just gather and pretend they speak about climate change! Let the next generations try to figure out what to do i guess
8Yorkies-and-63cats 4 years ago (edited)
You said it, Vicky! This is exactly the bottom line, otherwise, if packaging continues to be up to the individual sellers, these are the results. With the first executive decision + hefty fine, only then will things start changing.
Load More Replies... L. Dot 4 years ago
I think one thing we need to remember is that none of these large companies are saying, "hey let's waste a lot of money on packaging." These things happen usually in response to past complaints by customers. For example, pharmaceutical companies have all the extra packaging because of past lawsuits. It started back in the 80s with the Tylenol tampering that actually killed 7 people....So, because of one a-hole in the 80s, we all have to suffer. The companies have to spend billions on the packaging, and we have to suffer opening it! So, I think we just need to get rid of all the a-holes in the world and then we can decrease the waste on packaging..... argh, not so simple.
bumble bee 4 years ago
It is a marketing ploy in many instances as well. If you have a small product, sitting on the shelf next to a larger item, it will be overlooked either because of size, or the perception that larger is better.
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Blackheart 4 years ago
I see the waste, I do. But honestly, you can reuse a box several times. You can reuse bubble wrap if you don't pop it. We have to start thinking of new ways to use existing things. That really is what people used to do before the age of convenience.
Joshua HJN 4 years ago (edited)
Bruuu this madden me >:O Lots of companies want us to reduce package use to protect environment BUT they still send so much excessive package It's them not us who r destroying the environment I wonder if these companies spend more on packaging then their actual products XD HOPE THEY CHANGE. STOP DOING DIS
Albino 4 years ago
I recently and accidently threw one thing away, still in the box, only later realised that the tiny thing must have been in the kilo of wrapping paper. There was a medium sized item in the huge box,I got this out, but apparently somewhere in the paper the tiny thing must have hidden. Quite annoying.
Axolotl King 4 years ago
We learned one of the reasons for big boxes in math which was so they could be stacked easier in the shipping process I think but individually wrapped fruit and so much plastic stuff in the boxes is stupid and there's not really a reason for it
Lara Verne 4 years ago
Meanwhile in local grocery store. Fruit is usually loose, but when It's 50% off, it has to be wrapped in plastic. 1638468110...3add5c.jpg 
Lizz Lor 4 years ago
Companies like Amazon have logistics software which decides which size package to put something in...not based on the smallest size packaging but on how the package will ship. Using bigger boxes that then fill up the shipping container decreases the amount of damage the packages are exposed to. It also helps to distribute weight along with volume. People would also complain if their packages showed up dented so. If you don't like it and don't want to waste then but local...the carbon footprint shipping you a package with a tiny object takes is way more detrimental than some extra packaging. This is as much on the consumer, if not more, than the companies who ship.
Cat 4 years ago
Coming from a generation of cereal box toys and drinking from the water hose, you can't have it both ways. One generation had kids so special, the FDA had to regulate all this individually packaged business to prevent choking hazards. Now, there's too much plastic everywhere. Here's a tip, when you order from Amazon, order everything at once. You are provided with the delivery option to wait until all items are available before delivering to prevent individual packages like this. We're just impatient and want everything now.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Agree about Amazon. They even pay you to make the decision to wait and pack together. These people just are addicted to the outrage and typing about it. Reducing plastic should be a priority but panicking on a chintzy website won’t change shït.
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Bill Scheitzach 3 years ago
Note that some of those items, like the medications or other small but expensive items like the lobster meat or cosmetics might be in redundant or larger-than-necessary boxes or packaging to (1) prevent product tampering or (2) deter theft, since it can't be slipped into a pocket quite so easily.
Catherine Spencer-Mills 4 years ago
I've lived in small towns that just don't have many stores. So you save up a list of stuff you want to buy and go to the nearest larger town / city and get them in much smaller packages and no big boxes. So you can't drive? Or are unable to shop for yourself? Ask a friend or relative to assist. Ride the bus. It would never occur to me to order one container of eye liner or thermal paste by mail.
Imogene Cargeaux 4 years ago
This is why I reuse everything I can. I have a whole closet in my home of reusable packing products, boxes, bubble wrap envelopes.. I know it doesn't change the fact that they're being used in the first place but I Atleast try to eliminate using n buying more. I also make cat scratchers with cardboard boxes now and give them as gifts and when they're ruined I use them as kindling in my fire place since we don't have recycling program where I live and I have to drive 40 miles to turn in my cans and plastics. So I try not to use or but anything that doesn't come in packaging that I can reuse or make s**t out of.
Don Williams 4 years ago
I love how people get so riled up over this. Follow me around for one day and you will find that I'm single handedly trying my best to destroy the planet. I wish spray cans still had fluorocarbons. Save the planet, kill your self.
KimB 4 years ago
Since we're on the topic my city (US) started a recycling problem 3 years ago I was so psyched because I've always recycled but I used to have to drive an hour to the nearest station and my city doing it meant I had to put the can out on my curb for pick up...well we found out that the contract with the recycling company fell thru so all the stuff I and everyone in my city (approximately 5000 thousand people) put out each week ended up in the nearest landfill... I was gutted... I hate this city and my husband and I are saving up and looking to move to a more rural area...honestly the only thing keeping us here in the US at this point is my mother and his aunt.
bumble bee 4 years ago
I hate to break it to you, but recycling is a scam where it all goes to the land fill anyway. The US used to send recyclables to other countries like China, India, and others, but they will no longer accept our trash so there is no one to sell it to any more. Therefore it all goes to the dump.
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Lacey Heward 4 years ago
Looking through all of these images made me loose hope for our environment. Why does it even matter if I bring my own bags or choose paper, or even recycle!! How do we even protest something this immense?
Annnnd We’re Officially In Reverse 4 years ago
I can't even make it through the list it makes me so angry
Matthew Smith 4 years ago
Glad I live in England, we don't have much of the insane packaging issues.
Treessimontrees 4 years ago
I bought 5 items from Levis.com they all arrived on the same day from the same address in 5 separate plastic bags, inside each bag was another plastic bag.
Charles Bosse 4 years ago (edited)
Got a credit card not too long ago that was IN A BOX that was NOT all paper packaging... and because it was a box it was left on my porch where it was obvious and there is basically no penalty for grabbing it instead of shoved in my mailbox where no one would know unless they had inside info and it's a federal crime to take it.
Veronica Sjöberg 4 years ago
Yesterday i got a package. Big box, bubble plastic, a smaller box inside, bit more plastic-air-things... it was a face lotion. I usually buy the same one in-store but got it much cheaper online with free shipping during a sale - i feel guilty.
A Jones 4 years ago
The lot of these can be purchased from stores. Also vegetables/fruit have natural skins that protect them from weather, dirt, and stuff while growing. They just need to be washed properly. I'm a germaphobe and I think it's really silly. Adding plastic to them is not only terrible for Earth, but that's just another insult to Mother Nature. smh
BluEyedSeoulite 4 years ago
My husband recently wanted to make my life a little easier by buying some meal kits for me. Everything, including oil, is included. All separately packaged in plastic, in a large plastic box.... I'm the only one home on the recycling day so I have to take and separate all the recycling into the correct large bins as well...
CaptainDinosaur 4 years ago
Let's make sure we're getting all that extra corrugated paper in the recycling people. Most boxes are made from recycled paper and can be recycled again many times. As for the plastic... yuck.
bumble bee 4 years ago
Have you not heard that recycling has been a scam to make people feel better about themselves? It all goes to the dump because those countries who used to buy our trash no longer do. Research it yourself
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Rose the Cook 4 years ago
Sensible sized small boxes for small items would solve a lot of this.
George Rallis 4 years ago
Yeah blame the corporation’s not you guys that are to lazy to go and get this stuff from brick and mortar. Get off your high horses you’re just as much the problem as anyone else
Ivana 4 years ago
I have stopped shopping on Amazon because the packaging is just too much. I even switched grocery stores to a small independent store rather than Publix because I am sick of everything wrapped in plastic. I also go into brick and mortar stores when I can get something locally instead of online. The whole reason why everything comes in plastic is because people are buying it. Sometimes it is the only option but if you can ever buy the thing in a glass jar or just on its own then please do so companies learn to stop overwhelming us with non-recyclable waste.
VeryDarkMatter 4 years ago
We deserve to be wiped out from the face of this planet for good. We so deserve it..
bumble bee 4 years ago
If we deserve to be wiped out it is not because of packaging.
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AnnaBanana 4 years ago
For people saying individually wrapped fruit and veg is "safer" during COVID times, just wash the damned fruit/veg before you eat it! Problem solved!
Caro Caro 4 years ago
I had to stop at #30 because I got so angry. Some of these are unavoidable (postal orders) but a lot can be avoided by not buying this and if necessary being a Karen (I know I know) and complaining. It's the only way. Oh and if it comes in too much plastic you can return it with a note ...
Brivid 4 years ago (edited)
Some of these could be avoided if people would support their town by buying locally.
Load More Replies... Jo Choto 4 years ago
The waste of most of these is so shameful, I couldn't keep going. There are some that have reasons. Sometimes hygiene requires items in public places to be individually wrapped. Also, because of the way Amazon loads their vans, they have to have a box big enough that it will load properly with the other boxes. However, I see no reason why they couldn't have a rack with envelope type packages in the van so they could just post the items through the door, instead of having boxes.
Chris Munro 4 years ago
The irony of someone ordering a nail file or a bottle of Mio on Amazon, then complaining about how it's packaged. Go to the store FFS.
Glirpy 4 years ago
I'm sure a lot of the Amazon ones happen because the people packing these are in a hurry, aren't paid enough, and grab the closest box to where they are standing so they don't get yelled at by their supervisor for being away from their station.
bumble bee 4 years ago
while I fully agree that there is a severe packaging issue, I don't think most people know that there is a reason why packaging in too big of a box is happening. Amazon has strict rules, and packers do not have a choice in most cases.
Load More Replies... Beentheredonethat 4 years ago
This is ridiculous, how did straws become an issue when this obviously excessive plastic garbage is here everywhere everyday
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Deliberate misdirection by the 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions?
Load More Replies... Kira Okah 4 years ago
Most of these have reasons, not all of them, and certainly not always good reasons, but still reasons. Why attack those explaining those reasons? Explaining something doesn't mean they are condoning it.
Alex the Country Dog 4 years ago
You had wonderful explanations, Kira. I really appreciated your input, and I know your helpful information was not in defense of packaging, but just providing context. I’m sorry people were often downvoting you or being jerks. Self-righteousness and shaming seem to be more popular than understanding and then considering actual solutions that match the situations. Well done on ALL your comments throughout the thread.
Load More Replies... ZAPanda 4 years ago
I think some of these are due to the items being so small, that they want to ensure that they do not get lost in the post, so I get that part. However, at least then use organic packaging material inside as well. Like starch-based foam peanuts.
J. Normal 4 years ago
I reuse and recycle, so the paper and boxes are used
Load More Replies... Stephanie Keith 4 years ago
These companies are only half of the problem. It's us the consumer that add to this problem. By buying or wanting things we truly do not need in the 1st place. These companies know our weaknesses better than we do. If we only consumed natural things we needed to live. Things could be better, but unfortunately not enough people are willing to do what needs to be done to help our environment. That's the truth, I'm afraid.
Tami 4 years ago
+1000. We gotta think carefully about why we think we need to buy so many things and find another way to fulfill that need. And stop judging others who don't have a lot of shiny new gadgets and things, instead of thinking they're losers or something.
Load More Replies... Vicky Z 4 years ago
It's so easy for world leaders to start putting fines but they just gather and pretend they speak about climate change! Let the next generations try to figure out what to do i guess
8Yorkies-and-63cats 4 years ago (edited)
You said it, Vicky! This is exactly the bottom line, otherwise, if packaging continues to be up to the individual sellers, these are the results. With the first executive decision + hefty fine, only then will things start changing.
Load More Replies... L. Dot 4 years ago
I think one thing we need to remember is that none of these large companies are saying, "hey let's waste a lot of money on packaging." These things happen usually in response to past complaints by customers. For example, pharmaceutical companies have all the extra packaging because of past lawsuits. It started back in the 80s with the Tylenol tampering that actually killed 7 people....So, because of one a-hole in the 80s, we all have to suffer. The companies have to spend billions on the packaging, and we have to suffer opening it! So, I think we just need to get rid of all the a-holes in the world and then we can decrease the waste on packaging..... argh, not so simple.
bumble bee 4 years ago
It is a marketing ploy in many instances as well. If you have a small product, sitting on the shelf next to a larger item, it will be overlooked either because of size, or the perception that larger is better.
Load More Replies... Blackheart 4 years ago
I see the waste, I do. But honestly, you can reuse a box several times. You can reuse bubble wrap if you don't pop it. We have to start thinking of new ways to use existing things. That really is what people used to do before the age of convenience.
Joshua HJN 4 years ago (edited)
Bruuu this madden me >:O Lots of companies want us to reduce package use to protect environment BUT they still send so much excessive package It's them not us who r destroying the environment I wonder if these companies spend more on packaging then their actual products XD HOPE THEY CHANGE. STOP DOING DIS
Albino 4 years ago
I recently and accidently threw one thing away, still in the box, only later realised that the tiny thing must have been in the kilo of wrapping paper. There was a medium sized item in the huge box,I got this out, but apparently somewhere in the paper the tiny thing must have hidden. Quite annoying.
Axolotl King 4 years ago
We learned one of the reasons for big boxes in math which was so they could be stacked easier in the shipping process I think but individually wrapped fruit and so much plastic stuff in the boxes is stupid and there's not really a reason for it
Lara Verne 4 years ago
Meanwhile in local grocery store. Fruit is usually loose, but when It's 50% off, it has to be wrapped in plastic. 1638468110...3add5c.jpg
Lizz Lor 4 years ago
Companies like Amazon have logistics software which decides which size package to put something in...not based on the smallest size packaging but on how the package will ship. Using bigger boxes that then fill up the shipping container decreases the amount of damage the packages are exposed to. It also helps to distribute weight along with volume. People would also complain if their packages showed up dented so. If you don't like it and don't want to waste then but local...the carbon footprint shipping you a package with a tiny object takes is way more detrimental than some extra packaging. This is as much on the consumer, if not more, than the companies who ship.
Cat 4 years ago
Coming from a generation of cereal box toys and drinking from the water hose, you can't have it both ways. One generation had kids so special, the FDA had to regulate all this individually packaged business to prevent choking hazards. Now, there's too much plastic everywhere. Here's a tip, when you order from Amazon, order everything at once. You are provided with the delivery option to wait until all items are available before delivering to prevent individual packages like this. We're just impatient and want everything now.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Agree about Amazon. They even pay you to make the decision to wait and pack together. These people just are addicted to the outrage and typing about it. Reducing plastic should be a priority but panicking on a chintzy website won’t change shït.
Load More Replies... Bill Scheitzach 3 years ago
Note that some of those items, like the medications or other small but expensive items like the lobster meat or cosmetics might be in redundant or larger-than-necessary boxes or packaging to (1) prevent product tampering or (2) deter theft, since it can't be slipped into a pocket quite so easily.
Catherine Spencer-Mills 4 years ago
I've lived in small towns that just don't have many stores. So you save up a list of stuff you want to buy and go to the nearest larger town / city and get them in much smaller packages and no big boxes. So you can't drive? Or are unable to shop for yourself? Ask a friend or relative to assist. Ride the bus. It would never occur to me to order one container of eye liner or thermal paste by mail.
Imogene Cargeaux 4 years ago
This is why I reuse everything I can. I have a whole closet in my home of reusable packing products, boxes, bubble wrap envelopes.. I know it doesn't change the fact that they're being used in the first place but I Atleast try to eliminate using n buying more. I also make cat scratchers with cardboard boxes now and give them as gifts and when they're ruined I use them as kindling in my fire place since we don't have recycling program where I live and I have to drive 40 miles to turn in my cans and plastics. So I try not to use or but anything that doesn't come in packaging that I can reuse or make s**t out of.
Don Williams 4 years ago
I love how people get so riled up over this. Follow me around for one day and you will find that I'm single handedly trying my best to destroy the planet. I wish spray cans still had fluorocarbons. Save the planet, kill your self.
KimB 4 years ago
Since we're on the topic my city (US) started a recycling problem 3 years ago I was so psyched because I've always recycled but I used to have to drive an hour to the nearest station and my city doing it meant I had to put the can out on my curb for pick up...well we found out that the contract with the recycling company fell thru so all the stuff I and everyone in my city (approximately 5000 thousand people) put out each week ended up in the nearest landfill... I was gutted... I hate this city and my husband and I are saving up and looking to move to a more rural area...honestly the only thing keeping us here in the US at this point is my mother and his aunt.
bumble bee 4 years ago
I hate to break it to you, but recycling is a scam where it all goes to the land fill anyway. The US used to send recyclables to other countries like China, India, and others, but they will no longer accept our trash so there is no one to sell it to any more. Therefore it all goes to the dump.
Load More Replies... Lacey Heward 4 years ago
Looking through all of these images made me loose hope for our environment. Why does it even matter if I bring my own bags or choose paper, or even recycle!! How do we even protest something this immense?
Annnnd We’re Officially In Reverse 4 years ago
I can't even make it through the list it makes me so angry
Matthew Smith 4 years ago
Glad I live in England, we don't have much of the insane packaging issues.
Treessimontrees 4 years ago
I bought 5 items from Levis.com they all arrived on the same day from the same address in 5 separate plastic bags, inside each bag was another plastic bag.
Charles Bosse 4 years ago (edited)
Got a credit card not too long ago that was IN A BOX that was NOT all paper packaging... and because it was a box it was left on my porch where it was obvious and there is basically no penalty for grabbing it instead of shoved in my mailbox where no one would know unless they had inside info and it's a federal crime to take it.
Veronica Sjöberg 4 years ago
Yesterday i got a package. Big box, bubble plastic, a smaller box inside, bit more plastic-air-things... it was a face lotion. I usually buy the same one in-store but got it much cheaper online with free shipping during a sale - i feel guilty.
A Jones 4 years ago
The lot of these can be purchased from stores. Also vegetables/fruit have natural skins that protect them from weather, dirt, and stuff while growing. They just need to be washed properly. I'm a germaphobe and I think it's really silly. Adding plastic to them is not only terrible for Earth, but that's just another insult to Mother Nature. smh
BluEyedSeoulite 4 years ago
My husband recently wanted to make my life a little easier by buying some meal kits for me. Everything, including oil, is included. All separately packaged in plastic, in a large plastic box.... I'm the only one home on the recycling day so I have to take and separate all the recycling into the correct large bins as well...
CaptainDinosaur 4 years ago
Let's make sure we're getting all that extra corrugated paper in the recycling people. Most boxes are made from recycled paper and can be recycled again many times. As for the plastic... yuck.
bumble bee 4 years ago
Have you not heard that recycling has been a scam to make people feel better about themselves? It all goes to the dump because those countries who used to buy our trash no longer do. Research it yourself
Load More Replies... Rose the Cook 4 years ago
Sensible sized small boxes for small items would solve a lot of this.
George Rallis 4 years ago
Yeah blame the corporation’s not you guys that are to lazy to go and get this stuff from brick and mortar. Get off your high horses you’re just as much the problem as anyone else
Ivana 4 years ago
I have stopped shopping on Amazon because the packaging is just too much. I even switched grocery stores to a small independent store rather than Publix because I am sick of everything wrapped in plastic. I also go into brick and mortar stores when I can get something locally instead of online. The whole reason why everything comes in plastic is because people are buying it. Sometimes it is the only option but if you can ever buy the thing in a glass jar or just on its own then please do so companies learn to stop overwhelming us with non-recyclable waste.
VeryDarkMatter 4 years ago
We deserve to be wiped out from the face of this planet for good. We so deserve it..
bumble bee 4 years ago
If we deserve to be wiped out it is not because of packaging.
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