Just how green can we go?
Our local newspaper is having a contest. Entries are to be “green” gift packages using newspaper instead of gift wrap. Neither rubber bands nor plastic bags are allowed, even if the newspaper was delivered in them. Only glue or glue stick can be used, not tape – and no bows or tags or decoration can be added unless made out of the newspaper. The gift is supposed to be attractive and creative while being “green”.
All of this is admirable to an extent, but they lost me with the glue. I know there will be the Martha Stewart types that win the competition with complete towers of lovely gift boxes adorned with trailing ribbon made from the Sunday comics. Not me. I would end up with glue in my hair and paper stuck to the table. Does anyone really have time to hold paper together while glue dries?
The contest got me to thinking. How satisfied would our customers be if we shipped their orders in boxes sealed with a glue stick instead of packing tape? How much could I get done if I wrote the addresses on the boxes instead of attaching printed labels? For that matter, what would my eBay feedback score be if I didn’t use backer boards or boxes at all?
Are we evolved enough as a nation to accept smashed merchandise to save our planet from cardboard consumption? We recycle and reuse, but how green can we really be expected to go?
