In an era where convenience is king and online shopping reigns supreme, the environmental cost of packaging has become a hot topic of discussion.
In a recent video, shopper Jessica Wetz (@jessicawetz6) highlighted the excessive packaging practices of major companies, particularly Amazon and Fresh Direct.
In a nearly 10-minute video that has garnered over 290,000 views as of Monday afternoon, Wetz passionately unpacked her grocery items and lamented about the unnecessary boxes encasing her purchases.
“I just develop garbage before I’ve even eaten any of it,” she said, emphasizing the absurdity of products already in packages being placed inside additional boxes.
@jessicawetz6 @world STOP WITH THE EXTRA PACKAGING #waste #consumerism #jessicawetzstein #jessicawetz @Jessica Wetz #3 Account @Jessica Wetz #4???????? ♬ original sound - Jessica Wetz #6
Indeed, packaging practices have evolved significantly in recent years. With the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon, the convenience of home delivery has led to an increase in packaging materials. While some of this is necessary to protect items during transit, many consumers, like Wetz, are questioning the need for excessive and redundant packaging.
FreshDirect, for instance, recently came under fire for its packaging practices. While the company touts its fresh and direct-to-door delivery, the environmental cost of its packaging has left some consumers frustrated.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Some states are taking steps to combat excessive waste. Earlier this year, New York banned the automatic inclusion of utensils and napkins in food orders unless specifically requested by the customer. This move, albeit small, signifies a growing awareness of the need to reduce waste.
The comments section of Wetz’s video were ablaze with users echoing her frustrations.
“It’s so true. Don’t even get me started on the HUGE Amazon boxes for one small little item,” one viewer said.
“omg i feel the same way, I tell my kids it’s so much pollution for no reason, so much trash… why??” another asked.
Others, meanwhile, advocated for more sustainable shopping options.
“It would be nice to have more zero waste stores where you can bring in your own container,” one person suggested.
As consumers become more environmentally-conscious, there’s hope that companies will follow suit. The outcry against wasteful packaging practices, as highlighted by Wetz’s clip, is a clear indication that many are looking for more sustainable solutions. To give Amazon credit, however, it recently implemented new techniques to reduce waste.
While the convenience of online shopping and home delivery is undeniable, it’s essential for companies to strike a balance between protecting their products and protecting the planet. As Wetz said, “Leave us the f*ck alone. I’m giving you my money, and you wanna make me do more work?” While that may be a little extreme—it’s still high-time that companies listened to their consumers and reevaluated their packaging practices to keep them in-line with customers’ wants.
The Daily Dot has reached out to Wetz via TikTok comment.
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