I have become more and more aware of the over packaging that has become common when I am grocery shopping at stores for my growing and hungry family. It seems like all the products are pining for consumers to choose first by the visual attraction on the outside of the package.
It is impossible for me to shop with my kids because of this. Even my teenager is drawn to the fancy font and shiny wrappers of products he knows we just don’t buy. The sad thing is, many products that used to be packaged with less have decided they need a facelift to compete with their glamorous neighbors.
I could be talking about groceries, or people! Is it possible, that we as Americans, have become too over packaged ourselves? As far as we have come talking and trying to accept body image, more and more people (including men) are getting plastic surgery, going on extreme diets, and trying to present themselves wrapped up in neat little packages.
What is the cost? As consumers of products, over packaging comes at a high price of pollution, more junk in the landfill, and higher prices at the stores.
The high price we pay when we over package ourselves is that we miss out on true, loving, and authentic relationships and trade them in for a superficial image of ourselves and our lives.
Now there are some instances where it is important to present ourselves in a certain way: for instance, a job interview. But day to day, how many of you find yourself guarded behind a wrapper of cliques, appearance, and small talk? Does it do yourself any good? Most of us would probably agree that self-growth and wisdom come from being more open, more loving, more RAW.
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Over packaging? It is just trashy!
What are your thoughts?
In Harmony,
Jen
Thanks Jen! I was just looking at the wrinkles around my eyes and wishing I was packaged better. My package is just fine!!!!
You got that right, sista!!! Those wrinkles show character, and btw, YOU are the only one that notices them:)
Jen,
I’ve been working very specifically at just reducing the amount of stuff I have. And in that whole process, I’m also just more aware of my own personal (internal) stuff I’m hanging onto, also. Now that I’m aware…it’s time to let some of that go, too… thank YOU!!
Lance
xoxo
Lance,
I have been doing the same thing! I am much better at “fall” cleaning, than spring cleaning! I find that the more physical “stuff” I let go of, the easier it seems to breathe deep and focus more. Thanks for your always valuable insight!
In Harmony and friendship!
Jen
I’ve noticed even when I buy in bulk, the product often comes all wrapped up in one unit and then divided beneath with much smaller packaging. Nuts!
I see that too, Jenna. It is crazy, isn’t it? I have been reading that consumers buy a lot more in packages also because they have a false illusion that the food is “cleaner” and safer to eat. That is RARELY true! It is funny how mass hype or misinformation can create bad habits in people.
xo
Its totally trashy and senseless. I’ve started shopping for most snacks/cereals/canned/ frozen at our local Aldi’s store which in case you’re not familiar, it’s a deep discount grocery with only off brands. No funky packaging either. Saves me about 40-50% off my weekly bill.
Also, on another note… have you noticed how much we pay for air in packaging? Things don’t need to be that big to house a product especially when the bag/box is half full.
Sheila,
We don’t have that store…it sounds WONDERFUL! With my 3 very hungry and growing kids, that certainly would help with the grocery bills. Wish we had one here. Our stores are so very expensive, so I try to shop COstco, but unfortunately that is where I find major overpackaging going on! I have enjoyed the fresh veggies from my back yard so much this fall. It makes me feel proud to feed my family fresh and easy. Wish I was a better gardener though:)
And the price for air? Wow….you are right!
Thanks for adding to our discussion!
xo
Jen,
I couldn’t agree more. We have become so accustomed to the messages from Madison Avenue that we treat ourselves like products and where our houses and possessions like product placements. WE have to disconnect from the “acquisition mentality!” We are disconnected from nature and too outwardly focused to the detriment of our environment.
Hi Angela,
You post such wise words! Perhaps we can start a revolution….a new train of thought that encompasses “older” values….appreciate what we have, work hard to save the environment, and use only what is needed!
Thanks for being here, Angela. Great to see you!
In Harmony,
Jen
Yea! Trash talk is backI, too, am working on reducing what I buy. Infact we are getting rid of things more often than not. And I also grow a lot of veggies. I often shop at target (for food) and their brand is not so fancy and quite a bit cheaper. And we’ve always been second hand shoppers for clothes and furniture. Love what you wrote about over-packaging that people do to themselves. Isn’t that the truth!!
Thanks Betsy!
Feels great to have a place to post my thoughts again:) I love shopping 2nd hand stores. In fact, most of my clothing and furniture are from used stores. It finds more like treasure hunting and less like shopping. And I am a little different than many….I HATE shopping!
But I am “hunting” with the new tool of dropping something off to be donated before bringing anything back into my house, and that is helping tremendously with the decluttering!
Love it when you stop by!
Happy Day!
In Harmony,
Jen