ADVERTISEMENT

Waste, waste, waste. That’s almost all you ever hear people talking about on the streets and in cafes. Whether it’s wanting to eliminate the use of plastic by replacing straws with pasta in Italy or coming up with new plastic recycling ways, there are all sorts of small steps that we can take to make Planet Earth a cleaner, healthier, greener place to live on.

However, one area where some but not enough progress has been made is in the packaging of certain products. It is mind-boggling how much plastic packaging can be used for even the tiniest things. All to make them look attractive and make us want to buy them. There’s so much packaging that you could almost build a fort out of the trash!

To show you just what we mean, Bored Panda has collected some of the most egregious examples of unnecessary packaging designs found in the dark corners of the internet. So scroll down and upvote the pics that make you fear for the future of the world. Send your pals the link to this list so that they realize what a big problem product packaging is as well. And share any ideas for possible solutions to the waste management crisis in the comments.

Scroll down for Bored Panda's four interviews on the topic with experts, including with Greenpeace's Graham Forbes, the Global Project Leader for the Plastic-Free-Future.

“For years, companies have sold people on disability — the notion that we can use something once, for a few minutes, then simply throw it away,” Forbes explained. “The problem is, we know now that there is no such thing as ‘away.’ 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.” Scroll down for the full in-depth interview.

#1

I Received A Large Package From Amazon Today

I Received A Large Package From Amazon Today

iPattyR6 Report

You May Also Like:
#2

During Their Mating Season, The Masking Tape Must Be Separated To Avoid Unnecessary Violence

During Their Mating Season, The Masking Tape Must Be Separated To Avoid Unnecessary Violence

Little_Lorelei Report

#3

I Love It That Stores Really Care About Making Sure Your Products Arrive In One Piece, However, I Ordered A Candle!

I Love It That Stores Really Care About Making Sure Your Products Arrive In One Piece, However, I Ordered A Candle!

loonybytch Report

Forbes from Greenpeace continued: “Companies are still stuck in this outdated business model that uses unnecessary packaging and puts the onus on the consumer to clean it up.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.”

#4

My Dell Order Of Six Ink Cartridges Arrived Today

My Dell Order Of Six Ink Cartridges Arrived Today

AusJonny Report

Add photo comments
POST
STress the Terrible
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the owner fails to build a cardboard castle of this, they are a soulless monster...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

It May Look Like Our Designer Roo Is Hibernating, But This Is Just The Packaging Used To Protect The Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs

It May Look Like Our Designer Roo Is Hibernating, But This Is Just The Packaging Used To Protect The Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs

bigfishdesign Report

Add photo comments
POST
Thomas Es Thomas
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That industrial butcher paper is 100% recyclable, and bio-degradable. Shred it to bits and add to compost.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Destroying The Planet One Apple At A Time

Destroying The Planet One Apple At A Time

mattyfatty1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Thomas Es Thomas
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fifty pence for a single Apple? No wonder Brits are all skinny. Here in America apples go for $2.40 a dozen. (£0.50 is about $0.85 each.).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Some British supermarkets take the packaging waste problem very seriously. For example, Waitrose has impressed its environmentally-conscious shoppers by offering them the possibility of buying food and drink without any packaging.

#7

The Packaging Of Lol Dolls

The Packaging Of Lol Dolls

Nicoledhearted Report

Add photo comments
POST
Foxxy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is very expensive rubbish too. Have you seen the price of LOL merchandise?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Gas Station Packaging For One Dose

Gas Station Packaging For One Dose

mattttt15 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

This Is How Our Shop Received 700 Disposable Screws. Individually Packaged, With Plastic Thread Protectors

This Is How Our Shop Received 700 Disposable Screws. Individually Packaged, With Plastic Thread Protectors

ACES_II Report

That means that customers can fill their own containers with a whole range of Waitrose products, such as rice, cleaning materials, wine, beer, etc. from various dispensers. This not only helps the environment but is good for your wallet as well because product prices drop by around a seventh as a result. Of course, this means that we won’t get to build any forts with all the unnecessary packaging. But some sacrifices must be made for the greater good.

#10

I Decided To Try Use Less Plastic So I Ordered 4 Re-Usable Straws, This Is The Amount Of Packaging They Came In

I Decided To Try Use Less Plastic So I Ordered 4 Re-Usable Straws, This Is The Amount Of Packaging They Came In

Pamdwyr Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Dear Amazon, Please Explain Why You Need All This Packaging To Send Us Little Label?

Dear Amazon, Please Explain Why You Need All This Packaging To Send Us Little Label?

MIrandaJennieJo Report

Add photo comments
POST
wandile dludlu
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are you ordering from amazon something you can pick up at home depot/wallmart on your way home? That's where it all went wrong

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

2 Boxes Of Tea... 30+ Feet Of Bubble Wrap

2 Boxes Of Tea... 30+ Feet Of Bubble Wrap

vegetariansnowflake Report

“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 said, adding that those readers who want to learn more can read Greenpeace’s reports here and here.

#14

Excessive Packaging For A Battery I Ordered Online

Excessive Packaging For A Battery I Ordered Online

Jfonzy Report

#15

My New Insurance Refuses To Pay For Meds I’ve Been On For Years. My Doc Gets Free Samples And Gives Them To Me. This Is The Packaging For 15 Days Of Pills

My New Insurance Refuses To Pay For Meds I’ve Been On For Years. My Doc Gets Free Samples And Gives Them To Me. This Is The Packaging For 15 Days Of Pills

katyanastasia Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Bored Panda also talked to Kara Pochiro of the Association of Plastic Recyclers about the topic. According to Pochiro, “packaging often has a variety of uses that the general consumer does not realize such as protection and preservation.”

“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 explained, suggesting that customers recycle and conserve to help the environment. “Consumers play a big role in the success of recycling programs. They need to recycle and buy products and packaging made with recycled content.”

Back in 2018, more than 40 British companies, including the UK’s largest supermarkets, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and others, vowed to cut plastic use within 7 years.

Reuters notes that these companies promised to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in the UK by 2025. There’s still a long way to go until then (unless you’re reading this in 2025, in which case, hello, future Pandas!) and this is just one country. But it’s a strong start.

#16

Ordered A Bulk Order On Amazon From A Single Seller. They Sent Each Item In Their Own Individual Envelope With Their Own Individual Tracking Number - 50 Items In 50 Envelopes

Ordered A Bulk Order On Amazon From A Single Seller. They Sent Each Item In Their Own Individual Envelope With Their Own Individual Tracking Number - 50 Items In 50 Envelopes

basilfruit Report

Add photo comments
POST
Crystal Pearson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow that's crazy for more than the excessive packaging part . I wonder how many items were lost in the mail out of 50 i

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#17

I Picked Up Three Months Worth Of Anxiety Medication

I Picked Up Three Months Worth Of Anxiety Medication

Each lot of 28 tablets came in it’s own little tub which came in an individual box each with a set of instructions. I emptied all the separate tubs into one tub and it’s not even full.

happydoodles Report

Add photo comments
POST
Max M
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do the same with melatonin. I can pour 3-4 bottles together and they each have 120 pills. It's crazy that waste. Some meds I use, I need to poke every pill out of the sheet, since the ones in bottles cost about 18 dollar more, in our currency. More waste, lower price

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

I Love Your Products, Dr. Perricone, But Please Sort Out The Wasteful Packaging

I Love Your Products, Dr. Perricone, But Please Sort Out The Wasteful Packaging

Alsdorf_JAR Report

Andrew Almack, the CEO of Plastics for Change, had this to say to Bored Panda: “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.”

According to Almack, customers are a ‘force’ that can bring about change in the market. “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 good would increase and ignite other players to cater to this trend which could be done by a simple change in current company policies.”

ADVERTISEMENT

He continued: “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.”

#20

This Much Packaging For This Small Of An Eco Friendly Product No Less. This Is Just So Laughably Bad

This Much Packaging For This Small Of An Eco Friendly Product No Less. This Is Just So Laughably Bad

kristawie Report

#21

All This Non Recyclable Packaging Used To Send Copper Tubing. 20 Envelopes For 20 Pieces When All Could Easily Fit Into One

All This Non Recyclable Packaging Used To Send Copper Tubing. 20 Envelopes For 20 Pieces When All Could Easily Fit Into One

rickytickytavytoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
Max M
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe you post service steals stuff and the company wanted to be sure you at least got some of your order?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Furthermore, Bored Panda interviewed a spokesperson from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste: “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.”

The spokesperson went on to say that “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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

They continued: “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.”

#22

Sephora At It Again For A .05oz Concealer

Sephora At It Again For A .05oz Concealer

OldTownChode Report

#24

50 Feet Of Paper For 1 Bag Of Kitty Litter

50 Feet Of Paper For 1 Bag Of Kitty Litter

RandomUserFour Report

#25

Buddy Bought Two Mini Cast Irons From Amazon

Buddy Bought Two Mini Cast Irons From Amazon

Tokin_Bs Report

#26

I Ordered Three Pairs Of Drumsticks From Amazon. They All Showed Up Separately In Boxes Way Bigger Than Necessary

I Ordered Three Pairs Of Drumsticks From Amazon. They All Showed Up Separately In Boxes Way Bigger Than Necessary

daleyndaily Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

Amazon... Really?!

Amazon... Really?!

AnnaBennett_94 Report

#28

All This Packaging For This Little Item

All This Packaging For This Little Item

dcarcehere Report

Add photo comments
POST
Fatima Nasser
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sometimes they need to use that much of packaging so your tiny item won't be lost between all other parcels.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

“We Want Less Plastic” Plastic Straws Individually Wrapped In Plastic Then Put In A Plastic Bag

“We Want Less Plastic” Plastic Straws Individually Wrapped In Plastic Then Put In A Plastic Bag

TooManyTriesForAName Report

Add photo comments
POST
Lotus Flower
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are you buying plastic straws in the first place? Confused. Maybe I’m missing something.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

I Ordered A Custom Eyeshadow Palette

I Ordered A Custom Eyeshadow Palette

dananky Report

Add photo comments
POST
PeachesEDM
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least Colourpop allows you the option of no plastic case for the eyeshadows. The small paper envelopes are much better for the environment. And these are fragile items that you would be angry to receive all smashed. Colourpop does not build your custom eye palette; they are shipping from their warehouse.

View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 54 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.