Compare packaging

Most of us compare items for price, quality, color, and function before we select one to buy.  Add another comparison factor to the list – packaging.  Packaging, which is all of the cardboard, plastic, and metal surrounding the item you actually want, requires resources and energy to produce and transport.  Some of the packaging gets recycled but most of it ends up in the landfill.  Buying items with less packaging conserves resources and energy.  Many times, it’s not easy to avoid excess packaging, but worth considering.  Things to consider when comparing packaging:

• Is the item double-packaged (vitamins in a bottle packaged inside a cardboard box)?
• Is the packaging more elaborate than is necessary?
• Is the packaging a lot larger than the item inside?
• Is the packaging recyclable?
• Does it have “hidden packaging”?  Hidden packaging is the packaging the shippers use and retailers remove before they put the item on the shelf.  Some of the hidden packaging is reused, such as plastic bins for clothing, and cardboard boxes are generally recycled.  Pastries might be individually wrapped for shipping before they are unwrapped and put into display cases for purchase if they are not baked onsite. 
• Online shipping boxes and bags for individual customers are a large part of the packaging these days.  Recycle as much as you can, and try to place orders so that several items come in one package.  If you can, try to find retailers that use recycled packaging or packaging that is easily recycled.