Sunday, February 21, 2010

GE's green packaging not so green

Trying to be better stewards of God's earth, we have changed to CFL lights in our home and CFL floodlights for the yard. That was step 1. Then we signed up for the county's recycling program. (Yes, it's very irritating that it's not a normal county service instead of an extra fee-based one!). OK, step 2 -- done. And we have been recycling all sorts of stuff, including yogurt containers. So far, so good.

But while taking apart packaging for a GE "energy smart" CFL floodlight, I was irked to discover that the plastic container had no recycle logo -- it appears to not be recyclable! Energy saving floodlight; energy wasting packaging!

I didn't just gripe about it or figure it was "lost cause" and do nothing. I emailed GE. I mean -- come on!  The bulb is being marketed to the public in green packaging. So why isn't GE going "all the way" and making the plastic container one that can be recycled and clearly marked?

I may be just one voice, but if more people join the chorus for more issues like this, companies will listen. Do your part. Speak out. Email companies that need a little prodding. Put your typing where your mouth is!
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2 comments:

  1. CBruleeFebruary 22, 2010 at 6:25 PM

    Response from GE:

    "In response to your suggestion, GE has made strides to change our packaging from a Class 3 plastic to more environmentally friendly materials. Unfortunately, many of our distributor/retail partners are still carrying the older inventory items which are in the plastic packaging.

    You will see the updated packaging in all GE partner locations within the coming months.

    We sincerely appreciate your input and your feedback regarding this matter."

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  2. mahuba3February 21, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    I just experienced the same (momentary, but extreme) frustration - until I read on the GE website that the unmarked plastic is (still? Since they claim so in the above-quoted email to you...) class 3, which is accepted and recycled in my town (statewide, actually :).

    "Some of our packaging includes a plastic shell or "blister pack" made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC has a SPI resin identification code of 3 (also known as the plastic container code; it is the number you usually see inside the recycle triangle, although it may not be stamped on our packaging). These packages are accepted by recycling centers that allow this code number." http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/faqs/disposal.htm#8

    Just out of curiosity - two years after your original post, is your town still making you PAY for recycling? (Here in CT, towns are scrambling for residential recycling compliance, as it saves each municipality a lot of money versus trash disposal.)

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