Waste not!

I saw the Amazon box and got excited. I was waiting for some new running shoes. When I opened, though, something else hit me: the complete waste of shipping material. I get taking caution to make sure things are not damaged in the mail, but this seemed excessive.

Here’s what I mean, first it was a box, then another box, and then another box and enough filler and packing peanuts to send three packages. I get it, I want my things to be safe, but for me to notice, that’s saying something and it’s not a good sign for Amazon. 

Image by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

I shouldn’t have been surprised. My wife bought printer ink a few months ago and we were shocked when two little cartridge boxes came inside a huge box that could’ve fit a fully-functional printer. It was so shocking I had to check to make sure that the printer company hadn’t missed anything in our order.

Oh, I shouldn’t just complain about the Amazons of the world, it happens everywhere it seems.  

I bought a 32 ounce soda and a Reese’s Cup the other day. I was having a tough afternoon full of meetings and needed a break. Before I could say “no, I’m good,” the cashier had already placed both in a bag and in my hands. Did I really need a bag? No, no, not on your life.

It is really kind of sad.

We bought a combination lock for my son a few months ago. The thing was packed in a thick, clear plastic. I don’t know what the company was worried about, there was no way water or pick-pockets would get in, the packaging would last hell or high water.

Since I couldn’t find a pair of scissors, I first tried to pull the plastic apart. Yes, nice try. I then went on a hunt through the house, looking for a pair of scissors. Once I found them, I tried to cut my way in. You would’ve thought I was Andy Dufresne in the movie Shawshenk Redemption breaking my way out of Shawshank State Penitentiary, one load of rocks a day. 

Finally I was able to cut through the plastic, which was as sharp as concertina wire, the barbed, razor sharp wire that you see surrounding prisons, military installations, and federal intelligence and security service buildings. Um, let me remind you, this was a simple lock he would use for his desk for things like his iPad or extra cash. Oh yes, definitely a major threat should it get into the wrong hands.

Image by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.

Fearful that I might cut myself I shook the plastic, the lock didn’t budge. I shook it again and still nothing. I cut some more and finally the lock rattled to the floor. I’m hoping the lock works as good as its packaging. (One update. We learned he didn’t’ even need the lock. I’ll be sure to let Fort Knox know that I’m sending the packaging back to them so they can use it to keep thieves out of the U.S. Treasury’s vaults full of gold bullion.)

Oh, what has the world come that we need all this waste? I’ve got to believe that we can do better.