Asking suppliers/stores to use less plastic for your order.

[Snufkino]

A bit random but thought this was worthwhile posting here.

Just wanted to say that I've been ordering from Bits Box (UK) for a long while, and like other suppliers and online shops they've always been in the habit of bagging every single item, even if it's a single transistor. Since the use of plastics has been in the news more lately it gave me a kick up the arse to just leave a note with them asking to use as little plastic packaging for my order as possible. That I can work out all the different resistor and cap values myself etc. And they obliged! My most recent order was even better. Just a single bag with everything in it.

Just wanted to put this out there. You might think it's a drop in the ocean, but an ocean is just a collection of drops, and positive action doesn't cost anything, and hopefully might make the other person start taking action without prompting. Besides that, since they're not having to bag and label everything, you might get your order made quicker!

Having said all that, maybe it turns out these little bags are biodegradable, so it's not worth it on the environmental front, but I'd still do it anyway since I really don't need dozens of little bags every time. Total waste of time and effort to all concerned.

[Chankgeez]

I fully support this, but I'll add that most places probably aren't set-up to accommodate requests like that.

[kosta]

Great thought!

[MechaGodzilla]

I'm torn between my personal sense of responsibility to do the right thing and my resentment about how the government/media place the moral impetus for saving the planet on normal people, instead of the handful of corporations and rich people who actually cause the bulk of the problem and have the means to enact real change, if only the onus to do so were forced upon them.

[drolo]

that' a very good initiative and places like bits box are usually open to such requests. there just still is the fear a lot of companies have to upset potential customers that expect things to be packaged thoroughly ... but eventually I think more people will accept or even request it.
I sure wish bigger companies like Mouser etc would make some efforts because boy do they use lots of plastic ....
I usually try to ask someone about that but they have such complex automated processes that making a different process for someone is a nono. But eventually if enough people ask ...

[Chankgeez]

Good post!

I usually try to ask someone about that but they have such complex automated processes that making a different process for someone is a nono. But eventually if enough people ask ...

That's what I was thinking, packing procedures are probably pretty ingrained.

[drolo]

Good post!

I usually try to ask someone about that but they have such complex automated processes that making a different process for someone is a nono. But eventually if enough people ask ...

That's what I was thinking, packing procedures are probably pretty ingrained.

That's why I try to order in bulk as much as I can. But you should see the amount of plastic I end up with regularly...it's crazy ... I bring them to our recycling centers who have a special bin for soft plastic, bags etc. They get recycled somehow apparently but I have not been able to get any precise details ..

[Chankgeez]

People rely too heavily on the "recycle" part of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" equation.

The "reduce" is the most important part. It's becoming less and less profitable to recycle. What are we gonna do then?

[drolo]

true and honestly the recycling part is bit opaque here ... so not really sure they're even doing that right